The Defence Headquarters on Monday said Nigerian troops, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command, killed more than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province fighters during fresh coordinated air strikes in the North-East.
The DHQ said the operation was carried out in the general area of Metele following intelligence reports on the convergence and movement of terrorist elements within the region.
In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the military said the strikes formed part of sustained operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and denying insurgents safe haven in the country.
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.
Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple air strikes were conducted resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters, the statement partly read.
The military said the ongoing operations were designed to disrupt terrorist activities, remove fighters from the battlefield and prevent insurgents from regrouping.
Uba stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue operations to protect the country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
He added that terrorists threatening national stability and communities across the country would be tracked and eliminated.
The latest operation comes days after United States President, Donald Trump and President Bola Tinubu confirmed the killing of ISIS kingpin, Al-Minuki, during a joint counterterrorism operation involving Nigerian and US forces.
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