By Paul Joseph
The Nigerian military has confirmed that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, working alongside the United States Africa Command, carried out a coordinated air operation that eliminated more than 20 fighters belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the operation targeted terrorist elements in the general area of Metele after intelligence reports revealed movements and gatherings of insurgents within the axis.
In a statement issued on Monday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the airstrikes formed part of sustained military efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and denying insurgents safe havens across the country.
The DHQ explained that intelligence surveillance detected ISIS/ISWAP fighters regrouping in the area before the joint operation was launched.
Military authorities described the mission as a major success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign, noting that more than 20 terrorists were neutralised during the strikes.
The statement added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the US Africa Command would continue coordinated operations to weaken terrorist capabilities and disrupt insurgent activities throughout the North-East.
According to the military, the operations are specifically designed to halt terrorist movements, prevent regrouping efforts, and eliminate fighters threatening national security.
Maj.-Gen. Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian military to protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, insisting that no part of Nigeria would be allowed to serve as a safe haven for terrorists.
The latest operation comes amid growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, following recent reports of a joint mission that reportedly neutralised a senior ISIS-linked commander operating within the region.
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