The Nigerian military has confirmed that more than 20 suspected IS/ISWAP fighters were killed in fresh coordinated airstrikes carried out with the support of the United States Africa Command in Borno State.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation early on Monday targeted terrorist enclaves around Metele, a troubled community in northern Borno that has suffered repeated insurgent attacks over the years.
A statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the strikes followed intelligence reports indicating a convergence of terrorist fighters in 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 IS militants across north-east Nigeria,” Uba said. “Additional airstrikes were successfully executed in the general area of Metele.”
The military disclosed that multiple airstrikes on identified terrorist positions led to the death of over 20 IS/ISWAP fighters.
The operation comes just days after the reported neutralisation of notorious IS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in Nigeria’s north-east region.
The Defence Headquarters stated that sustained bombardments and coordinated offensives aim to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent the establishment of safe havens on Nigerian soil.
“The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of IS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield, and deny them any safe haven within Nigeria,” Uba added.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and tackling insurgency, insisting that any group threatening national peace and security will face decisive military action.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for any terrorist anywhere in Nigeria,” the military stated.
