Nigeria, US Forces Eliminate Over 20 ISIS Fighters In Fresh Borno Airstrikes

The Nigerian military has confirmed the killing of over 20 suspected ISIS/ISWAP fighters during coordinated airstrike operations carried out in partnership with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.
The fresh offensive targeted terrorist hideouts around Metele, a northern Borno community that has repeatedly come under insurgent attacks.
In a statement released on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the operation was launched following intelligence reports on the movement and gathering of terrorists in the area.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation formed part of ongoing joint military efforts between Nigeria and the United States to dismantle terrorist networks in the North-East.
“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 said.
The military disclosed that several strikes were carried out on identified terrorist locations, resulting in the death of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
The latest offensive comes just days after Nigerian and American forces reportedly eliminated a notorious ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during another joint operation.
The Defence Headquarters explained that the sustained operations are aimed at crippling terrorist activities, restricting insurgents’ movement and denying them safe havens within Nigeria.
“The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS 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,” Uba added.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria vowed to continue aggressive operations against insurgents threatening the country’s stability and territorial integrity.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the statement noted.
“Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”
Metele and surrounding communities in northern Borno remain among the areas most affected by Boko Haram and ISIS/ISWAP insurgency activities.