Nigeria Conflict with Islamic State Militants
Most U.S. forces withdrew from Nigeria by July 3, 2026, following a joint operation with Nigerian forces that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS's global second-in-command, and approximately 199 other terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin region. As of July 3, 2026, the U.S. continues to provide intelligence support, a move U.S. Africa Command states has significantly degraded ISIS leadership and disrupted operations. The joint operations, which began in May 2026, also resulted in the largest seizure of enemy electronic equipment since 9/11 and the designation of a Nigerian national and three companies as ISIS financial facilitators. These efforts occurred amidst attacks by suspected Lakurawa militants killing 20 people in Kebbi state on June 14, 2026, and eight soldiers killed in northeast Nigeria on June 5, 2026.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
July 2026 — 2 developments
UN Report Details Evolving Terrorist Sophistication in West Africa Amidst US-Nigeria Counterterrorism Efforts
A July 2026 UN report highlights the increasing sophistication of terrorist groups in West Africa and the Sahel, noting their use of drones and advanced communications, with particular concern for northern Nigeria. This comes amid ongoing counterterrorism efforts by the U.S. and Nigeria, including a joint operation in May 2026 that killed a high-ranking ISIS member. The U.S. has withdrawn most forces from a recent operation but continues to provide intelligence support.
US Forces Withdraw from Nigeria After Killing ISIS Second-in-Command
Most U.S. forces have withdrawn from Nigeria following a joint operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the global second-in-command of ISIS. The U.S. will continue to provide intelligence support at Nigeria's request, a move that U.S. Africa Command states has significantly degraded ISIS leadership and disrupted its operations. The operation in the Lake Chad Basin region also led to increased defections among ISIS fighters.
June 2026 — 7 developments
US-Nigerian Operation Kills 199 Terrorists, Seizes Major Electronic Haul
A joint U.S.-Nigerian operation in late June 2026 killed approximately 199 terrorists and resulted in the largest seizure of enemy electronic equipment since 9/11. U.S. intelligence agencies are examining the devices for insights into ISIS operations, as part of a broader counterterrorism campaign.
US Designates ISIS Financial Facilitators in Nigeria; Over 1,000 Jihadists Killed in Raid
The United States has designated a Nigerian national and three companies as alleged financial facilitators of ISIS activities. In a separate operation, over 1,000 jihadists were reportedly killed in a recent raid, yielding the largest haul of terrorist electronic equipment since 9/11. These actions are part of ongoing efforts against Islamic State militants in Nigeria.
Militants Kill 20 in Nigeria's Kebbi State Amid Counterterrorism Operations
Suspected militants from the Lakurawa group killed 20 people in an attack in Kebbi state, near the Niger border. This incident occurred in June 2026 and follows recent US strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria.
US-Nigeria Operations Eliminate Over 200 Terrorists, Shift Focus to Nigeria
Joint US-Nigerian operations have eliminated over 200 terrorists, including senior ISWAP leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, as of June 11, 2026. The counterterrorism campaign in Africa has seen a notable shift of focus from the Middle East to Nigeria.
Nigeria: Eight Soldiers Killed in Retaliatory Raids on Military Bases
Eight soldiers were killed in two separate raids on military bases in northeast Nigeria on June 5, 2026. Security sources linked these attacks to possible retaliation for the killing of a senior IS commander on May 16. These incidents follow joint U.S.-Nigerian operations that eliminated 21 ISWAP fighters on May 30, 2026.
US and Nigerian Forces Kill Senior ISWAP Commanders in Lake Chad Basin and Borno
A joint air operation by U.S. and Nigerian forces on June 1, 2026, killed 21 ISWAP fighters and three mid-level commanders in Borno State. On June 3rd, three senior ISWAP commanders, identified as lieutenants of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, were reportedly killed in a separate joint air operation in the Lake Chad Basin.
Nigeria and US Forces Kill 21 ISWAP Terrorists and 3 Commanders in Borno Airstrike
A joint operation by Nigeria and the United States Africa Command conducted a precision airstrike on a terrorist camp in Arege, Borno State on June 1, 2026. The strike resulted in the death of 21 suspected ISWAP terrorists, including three mid-level commanders responsible for coordinating raids. This operation is part of an intensified campaign aimed at crippling terrorist networks and disrupting their operational bases.
May 2026 — 3 developments
US Airstrikes Significantly Set Back ISIS Network in Nigeria, General Says
Air Force Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson stated that U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria have significantly set back the ISIS network globally. These operations, which began on May 16, 2026, have killed approximately 175 ISIS fighters, including senior leaders like Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second-in-command for global operations within ISIS. Additional kinetic strikes were conducted on May 17 and May 18.
US and Nigerian Forces Conduct Airstrikes Against Islamic State Militants in Nigeria
The United States and Nigerian forces conducted further airstrikes on May 18, 2026, in Borno State, neutralizing additional ISWAP members following operations on May 17. U.S. President Donald Trump described the targeted group as "terrorist scum" who were "viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians."
US, Nigeria conduct fresh airstrikes against ISIS, ISWAP militants in northeast Nigeria
The United States and Nigeria have conducted fresh airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday, May 17, 2026. These strikes are part of an intensified joint military operation and follow the announcement of the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a key ISIS commander. Over 20 ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed in Borno.
April 2026 — 1 developments
Nigerian Military Airstrike Targets ISWAP Logistics Hub in Yobe, Civilian Casualties Reported
The Nigerian military conducted an airstrike on April 11, 2026, in Yobe State, targeting a logistics hub used by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and reportedly neutralizing scores of terrorists. Conflicting reports suggest dozens of civilian deaths, including traders, in the operation.
March 2026 — 1 developments
US Deploys Additional Troops to Nigeria for Intelligence and Advisory Roles
The United States has continued to deepen its security cooperation with Nigeria following the December 2025 airstrikes, with a contingent of U.S. personnel arriving in February 2026 to provide intelligence fusion and ISR capabilities. An additional 100 troops are expected by the end of February, bringing the total deployment to 200 military units, who will focus on advisory roles, intelligence sharing, and capacity building rather than direct combat.
February 2026 — 3 developments
US airstrikes target Lakurawa terrorist group in northwest Nigeria
The group known as Lakurawa, designated a terrorist group by Abuja in 2025, was targeted in the US airstrikes in northwest Nigeria. This group combines militant Islamist governance with extortion and kidnapping, and functions as a conduit for the territorial ambitions of ISSP and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
ISIS Fighters Advance in Nigeria Despite Trump-Ordered US Airstrikes
Despite U.S. airstrikes ordered by President Trump in December 2025, fighters affiliated with the Islamic State are reportedly on the offensive in northwest Nigeria. Nigerian officials and residents suggest the strikes, aimed at protecting Christians, were largely ineffective, indicating the ongoing terrorist threat in the region persists.
United States Deploys Troops to Nigeria for Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking the first official acknowledgment of US forces on the ground since airstrikes were conducted in December 2025. This deployment follows an agreement between the two nations to bolster counter-terrorism efforts.
January 2026 — 1 developments
US airstrikes target Lakurawa extremist group camps in Sokoto State on Christmas Day
The US airstrikes on Christmas Day appeared to target the camps of the Lakurawa violent extremist group in the Tangaza area of Sokoto State.
December 2025 — 6 developments
US conducts airstrikes against Islamic State in Nigeria, deploys troops
The United States conducted airstrikes on December 25, 2025, against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria, targeting two camps in Sokoto State with over a dozen Tomahawk missiles and MQ-9 Reaper drones. President Donald Trump stated the strikes were aimed at groups "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians." Following the strikes, the US has deployed approximately 200 troops to train and advise the Nigerian military.
US Navy warship fires Tomahawk missiles, President Trump cites ISIS targeting Christians
The US strikes involved a Navy warship firing Tomahawk missiles, with President Trump stating they targeted ISIS members killing Christians. The operation was influenced by US Christian groups, while Nigeria contends the violence is criminal rather than religious.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Tuggar confirms Nigeria provided intelligence for airstrikes
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria provided intelligence for the strikes, which were part of "joint ongoing operations," and President Trump stated the initial strike was delayed to Christmas for impact. Residents of Jabo village reported panic from the nearby airstrikes, and initial tensions arose between the US and Nigerian governments over US claims of Christian persecution.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanks Nigerian government for support
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation, adding 'More to come…'
Nigeria's Foreign Ministry confirms airstrikes, ongoing security cooperation with Washington
Nigeria's Foreign Ministry confirmed the airstrikes, describing them as 'precision hits on terrorist targets' and affirming ongoing 'structured security cooperation' with Washington.
President Trump announces 'powerful and deadly' strikes against 'ISIS Terrorist Scum'
President Trump announced the 'powerful and deadly' strikes on his Truth Social platform, stating they targeted 'ISIS Terrorist Scum' who had been targeting Christians.
November 2025 — 3 developments
U.S. conducts intelligence-gathering flights over Nigeria since late November
Reuters reported that the U.S. had been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.
U.S. State Department restricts visas for Nigerians involved in violence against Christians
The U.S. State Department announced restrictions on visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in mass killings and violence against Christians.
Trump orders Pentagon to plan military action in Nigeria over persecution claims
President Trump reportedly ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following claims of Christian persecution.
October 2025 — 1 developments
Trump warns of 'existential threat' to Christianity in Nigeria, threatens military intervention
U.S. President Donald Trump began issuing warnings that Christianity faced an 'existential threat' in Nigeria and threatened military intervention over the alleged mistreatment of Christians.