The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has announced the continuation of coordinated military operations targeting ISIS militants in Nigeria’s North-East, with fresh air strikes carried out around Metele in Borno State.
According to a statement issued today Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the latest offensive followed intelligence reports indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist elements within the area.
The military disclosed that multiple air strikes were successfully executed, leading to the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
The operation comes days after the reported neutralisation of notorious ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, as part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
“The ongoing operations are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” the statement said.
The DHQ reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defending the nation’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity against insurgent threats.
“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,” the statement added.
The military further stressed that there would be “no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”
The renewed offensive highlights intensified cooperation between Nigerian forces and international partners in the fight against insurgency in the North-East, where troops have continued clearance operations against remnants of ISIS-affiliated groups.
