Nigerian military, US force kill over 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters in Borno strike

The Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed the elimination of over 20 suspected ISIS/ISWAP militants following a new round of coordinated airstrikes conducted in partnership with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.

The strikes were said to have focused on insurgent hideouts in and around Metele, a town in northern Borno that has repeatedly come under attack by terrorist groups.

It was gathered that this update was made public on Monday through a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.

Military authorities explained that the mission was initiated after intelligence reports revealed the presence and assembly of terrorist elements within the targeted location.

“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 the North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.

According to the Defence Headquarters, several air raids were carried out on confirmed insurgent positions, resulting in the death of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.

This development follows closely after reports of the killing of a top ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a separate joint military operation involving Nigerian and U.S. forces.

Officials noted that these actions form part of broader efforts to weaken terrorist structures, limit their mobility, and stop them from creating operational bases within the country.

“The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” Uba stated.

The Nigerian military reiterated its resolve to tackle insurgency and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the military said.

“Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”

Metele and nearby areas in northern Borno continue to be key hotspots in the ongoing conflict involving Boko Haram and ISIS/ISWAP insurgents.