The Nigerian military says more than 20 suspected ISIS/ISWAP fighters have been killed in fresh coordinated airstrikes conducted with support from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.
The strikes reportedly hit terrorist hideouts around Metele, a community in northern Borno that has long been a flashpoint for insurgent attacks.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the military, the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the movement and gathering of terrorist fighters in the area.
“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 in North-East Nigeria, with additional airstrike missions successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement said.
It added that multiple airstrikes successfully hit identified terrorist positions, resulting in the killing of over 20 fighters linked to ISIS/ISWAP.
The latest offensive follows the reported elimination of a notorious ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in an earlier joint operation involving Nigerian and US forces.
Authorities said the ongoing operations are aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, restricting their movement, and denying them safe havens within the country.
“The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” Uba stated.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the fight against insurgency and defending national sovereignty.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the statement added.
It further warned that terrorists threatening citizens and national stability would be tracked and defeated.
“There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” the military said.
Metele and surrounding communities in northern Borno remain among the areas most affected by Boko Haram and ISIS/ISWAP-related violence.
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