Fresh airstrikes jointly carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian forces have reportedly killed more than 20 fighters linked to ISIS/ISWAP in the Metele area of northern Borno State.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed this on Monday, describing the latest offensive as part of intensified counterterrorism operations targeting insurgent strongholds in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to military authorities, the coordinated strikes were launched after credible intelligence revealed the movement and gathering of suspected terrorist elements within the area.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks and deny terrorists access to safe havens across the region.
He explained that the air raids were conducted in close collaboration with the United States Africa Command, following recent gains recorded against terrorist groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin.
The latest strikes came only days after a joint US-Nigerian operation reportedly eliminated a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in another targeted assault within the North-East.
AFRICOM, in a statement confirming the fresh operation, said additional strikes had been conducted against ISIS elements in northeastern Nigeria. The command added that no Nigerian or American personnel were injured during the mission.
According to the U.S. military command, the operation was part of sustained cooperation with Nigerian security authorities aimed at degrading ISIS capabilities and disrupting insurgent activities in the region.
Reports from the battlefield indicated that the latest offensive was a continuation of the broader counterterrorism campaign against ISIS-linked groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protecting the country’s sovereignty and eliminating terrorist threats nationwide.
The military stated that operations against insurgents would continue until all terrorist enclaves are dismantled and militants are denied freedom of movement anywhere within Nigeria’s territory.
It further noted that the growing success of intelligence-driven joint operations with international partners reflects improved coordination and strengthened counterterrorism capabilities.
Metele, located in northern Borno State, has remained one of the major flashpoints in the insurgency ravaging the North-East. The area has witnessed repeated attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters over the years due to its strategic location near the borders of neighbouring countries.
Security analysts believe the latest strikes, coming shortly after the reported killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, indicate an intensified military campaign against extremist groups operating in the region.
Source: The Nation
