The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, says Nigerian troops, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command, have killed more than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters in a fresh coordinated air operation in the North-East.
The military said the strikes were carried out in the general area of Metele following intelligence reports on the movement and convergence of terrorist elements in the region.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Monday.
According to the statement, the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny insurgents safe havens within Nigeria.
It explained that the coordinated air strikes targeted ISIS/ISWAP fighters who were observed regrouping in the area before the attack was launched.
The DHQ said the operation resulted in the elimination of more than 20 terrorists, describing it as a major success in the counter-insurgency campaign.
It added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in partnership with US Africa Command, will continue sustained operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities across the North-East.
The military further stated that the ongoing operations are designed to disrupt terrorist movements, eliminate fighters from the battlefield, and prevent regrouping activities.
Maj.-Gen. Uba reiterated that there would be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in the country, stressing the commitment of the military to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The development comes amid continued counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, following recent claims of a joint operation that neutralised a senior ISIS-linked figure in the region.
Nigerian, US forces kill over 20 ISWAP fighters in North-East — DHQ