Nigerian forces working with US troops say they have killed 175 IS fighters in a series of joint operations in northeastern Nigeria targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The strikes destroyed weapons caches, checkpoints, logistics centres and financial networks used by the militant group. The  authorities also announced the deaths of several senior commanders, including Abu Bilal al-Minuki, described as a leading IS figure in West Africa and the Sahel region. The US troops were sent to Nigeria in February, in what was deemed a mostly advisory and training role, but the joint operations reported recently appear to signal a more active US involvement in the country. IS activity has expanded significantly across Africa in recent years, contributing to instability, violence and displacement in several countries. While the strikes are seen as a major setback for the group, concerns remain about ongoing insecurity and the wider humanitarian impact of prolonged conflict across the region.