The Nigerian military has confirmed that more than 20 suspected ISIS/ISWAP terrorists were killed during a fresh round of coordinated airstrike operations conducted alongside the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.
The air operations reportedly targeted terrorist hideouts around Metele, a northern Borno community that has repeatedly come under attack from insurgents.
The development was disclosed on Monday in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the strikes were launched after intelligence reports revealed the movement and assembly of terrorist fighters within the area.
“The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with the United States Africa Command, wishes to update the public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants in North-East Nigeria, with additional airstrike missions successfully carried out around Metele,” the statement said.
Military authorities stated that several airstrikes hit identified terrorist locations, resulting in the death of over 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
The latest offensive comes shortly after the reported killing of notorious ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during another joint military operation involving Nigerian and American forces.
The Defence Headquarters explained that the operations are part of broader efforts to weaken terrorist networks, restrict their movement and stop them from establishing strongholds 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, eliminate them from the battlefield and deny them safe haven anywhere within Nigeria,” Uba added.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria also reaffirmed their resolve to continue the fight against insurgency and defend the nation’s territorial integrity.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the statement noted.
“Terrorists threatening our citizens, communities and national stability will be tracked and defeated. There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”
Metele and nearby communities in northern Borno remain among the regions most affected by insurgency linked to Boko Haram and ISIS/ISWAP activities.
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