The Nigerian military has announced the elimination of more than 20 suspected IS/ISWAP fighters in fresh coordinated airstrike operations carried out with the support of the United States Africa Command in Borno State.
According to the Defence Headquarters on Monday morning, the latest offensive targeted terrorist enclaves in the general area of Metele, a troubled community in Northern Borno that has witnessed repeated attacks by insurgents over the years.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, obtained by SaharaReporters.
The military high command said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist fighters within the area.
“The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with the United States Africa Command, wishes to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against IS militants across North East Nigeria, with additional airstrike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” Uba said.
The military disclosed that multiple airstrikes were launched on identified terrorist positions, resulting in the killing of over 20 IS/ISWAP fighters.
It added that the operation came days after the reported neutralisation of notorious IS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.
The Defence Headquarters said the sustained bombardments and coordinated offensives were aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and preventing the establishment of safe havens within Nigerian territory.
“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 the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” he added.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and tackling insurgency, insisting that terrorists threatening national peace and security would continue to 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 terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” the military stated.
