Nigerian troops working with the United States Africa Command have killed more than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters in a coordinated air operation in the North-East.
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, said the strike was carried out in the Metele area after intelligence reports showed terrorist elements gathering in the region. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny insurgents safe havens in Nigeria.
According to the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the air strikes targeted ISIS/ISWAP fighters who were observed regrouping before the attack. The DHQ described the outcome as a major success in the counter-insurgency campaign.
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The military stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and US Africa Command will continue sustained operations to degrade terrorist capabilities across the North-East. The goal is to disrupt movements, eliminate fighters from the battlefield, and prevent regrouping.
Maj.-Gen. Uba said there would be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in the country. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The operation comes amid deepening counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. It follows recent reports of a joint operation that neutralised a senior ISIS-linked figure in the region.
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