The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday announced that Nigerian troops, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command, conducted coordinated airstrikes that killed more than 20 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East.
According to the military, the precision strikes targeted terrorist hideouts around Metele in Borno State following credible intelligence on the movement and gathering of insurgents in the area.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the operation was described as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy their operational bases, and prevent regrouping.
“The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wishes to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria,” the statement read.
The military said surveillance operations had detected a fresh convergence of terrorist elements, prompting a series of air assaults that successfully neutralised dozens of ISWAP fighters.
Officials noted that the offensive is part of sustained counterterrorism operations aimed at flushing insurgents out of their enclaves, disrupting planned attacks, and restoring security to affected communities.
Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment, Maj. Gen. Uba said troops would continue aggressive operations to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities, and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
The latest operation comes days after reports of a separate joint mission involving Nigerian and United States forces that allegedly killed a senior ISIS commander identified as Al-Minuki, described as a high-ranking figure within the global terror network.
