Nigerian, US Joint Airstrikes Kill Over 20 ISWAP Fighters in Borno — DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that more than 20 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters were killed during a coordinated air operation conducted by Nigerian forces alongside the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) in Borno State.
According to the military, the operation targeted terrorist hideouts around the Metele area in northern Borno as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at weakening insurgent activities in the North-East.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said the strikes were launched after intelligence reports revealed the movement and gathering of suspected terrorists within the area.
He explained that several airstrikes were carried out on identified terrorist positions, leading to the elimination of more than 20 ISWAP fighters.
Uba said the offensive was part of sustained collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and USAFRICOM to dismantle terrorist networks and deny insurgents freedom of operation.
“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 across North-East Nigeria, with additional airstrike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.
The military spokesperson noted that the latest operation followed the recent killing of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during similar joint military actions.
He added that security forces were intensifying efforts to destroy terrorist infrastructure, eliminate high-profile insurgent leaders and prevent fighters from regrouping in the region.
According to him, the sustained air offensives are designed to deny terrorists safe havens and restrict their movement across the North-East theatre of operations.
“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 DHQ reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protecting the country’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide.
It stressed that terrorists threatening national security would continue to face decisive military action until they are completely defeated.
“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 terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The military also assured Nigerians that operations in collaboration with international partners would continue to restore lasting peace and stability in the North-East and other troubled areas.
