The Defence Headquarters on Monday confirmed the continuation of coordinated military operations against fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) in Nigeria’s North-East, revealing that fresh air strikes had been carried out in the Metele area of Borno State.
In a statement released by the military, the operations were said to have been conducted in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), following intelligence reports on the movement and regrouping of terrorist elements linked to ISIS and its regional affiliate, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to the Defence Headquarters, multiple air strikes targeted the insurgents’ hideouts, resulting in the killing of over 20 fighters.
The military explained that the latest offensive is part of an intensified campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating in the North-East. The operation comes days after the reported neutralisation of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
Authorities stressed that the sustained military actions are designed to weaken the operational capacity of insurgent groups, deny them safe havens and prevent further threats to national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the statement read.
The military further reiterated its commitment to tracking and eliminating terrorist elements across the country, declaring that no part of Nigeria would be allowed to serve as a refuge for insurgents.
