Nigerian troops kill ISWAP fighters in coordinated air strikes with US Africa Command in Borno State, DHQ says

The Defence Headquarters on Monday announced that Nigerian troops, working in coordination with the United States Africa Command, killed more than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province fighters during fresh air strikes in Borno State.

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Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, saying the operation targeted terrorist elements in the general area of Metele following intelligence reports on insurgent movements within the North-East region.

According to the military, the strikes formed part of sustained counterterrorism operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and denying 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.

The military added that intelligence surveillance detected the convergence and migration of terrorist fighters before multiple precision strikes were launched.

“Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple air strikes were conducted, resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters,” the statement added.

The Nigerian troops kill ISWAP fighters operation is part of ongoing military efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, weaken operational capacity and prevent insurgents from regrouping in the region.

Major General Samaila Uba said the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue aggressive operations to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” he stated.

Uba also issued a strong warning to terrorist groups operating within the country, declaring that no safe haven would be available to insurgents threatening national stability.

“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 said.

The latest offensive comes days after United States President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the killing of ISIS kingpin Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a joint counterterrorism operation involving Nigerian and US forces.

Trump described the slain militant as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists and claimed the insurgent leader believed he could evade capture by operating from Africa.

Also read: Troops Arrest ISWAP and Boko Haram Collaborators in Borno State

The renewed collaboration between Nigerian forces and international partners is being viewed as a powerful step in ongoing efforts to weaken extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad region and the wider North-East.