The Nigerian military has announced the killing of more than 20 suspected ISIS/ISWAP fighters during fresh coordinated airstrike operations carried out with the support of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.
The operation reportedly targeted terrorist enclaves around Metele, a community in northern Borno frequently attacked by insurgents.
Naija News reports that the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation followed intelligence reports indicating the movement and gathering of terrorist fighters within 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 the North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.
The military said multiple airstrikes were launched on identified terrorist positions, leading to the killing of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
The latest operation comes days after the reported killing of notorious ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during another joint operation involving Nigerian and American forces.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operations are aimed at disrupting terrorist networks, restricting their movement and preventing them from establishing safe havens within Nigerian territory.
“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 commitment to combating insurgency and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
“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.”