The Defence Headquarters on Monday announced that Nigerian troops, working alongside the United States Africa Command, killed more than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province fighters during coordinated air strikes in the North-East.
According to the military, the operation was carried out around Metele following intelligence reports on the movement and gathering of terrorist elements within the area.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the DHQ said the strikes were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny insurgents safe havens across the country.
“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 read.
“Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple air strikes were conducted resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters,” it added.
The military explained that the sustained operations were aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, eliminating fighters and preventing insurgents from regrouping.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the statement said.
Uba stressed that terrorists threatening national security and civilian lives would continue to face military action across the country.
“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,” he stated.
The latest operation comes days after United States President Donald Trump and President Bola Tinubu confirmed the killing of ISIS kingpin, Al-Minuki, during a joint counterterrorism operation involving Nigerian and US forces.
Trump reportedly described the slain militant as one of the world’s most active terrorists and claimed he was regarded as the second-in-command of ISIS globally.
