The Nigerian military has announced the killing of more than 20 suspected ISIS and ISWAP fighters in a series of coordinated airstrikes carried out in Borno State with support from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The operation reportedly hit terrorist hideouts around Metele, a community in northern Borno that has frequently come under attacks by insurgents.
The development was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the strikes were launched after intelligence reports confirmed the movement and concentration of terrorist fighters in the area.
“The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement said.
The military confirmed that multiple air raids were conducted on identified targets, resulting in the elimination of over 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
The latest offensive comes just days after the reported killing of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in another joint Nigerian and US operation.
The Defence Headquarters said the ongoing operations are aimed at weakening terrorist networks, restricting their mobility, and denying them safe havens within Nigeria.
“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 the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” Uba stated.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its resolve to continue offensive operations against insurgents, stressing that national sovereignty and security remain a top priority.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the military said.
“Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”
