The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that Nigerian troops working together with the United States Africa Command carried out a successful air operation that reportedly killed more than 20 ISWAP fighters in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to the military, the operation took place around the Metele area after intelligence reports revealed movements and gatherings of suspected terrorists within the region.
The update was made public in a statement released on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
The DHQ explained that the joint military action was part of ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist groups and stop insurgents from establishing safe locations within the country.
Military authorities said surveillance operations detected ISIS-linked ISWAP fighters regrouping in the area before the air strikes were launched against them.
According to the statement, the coordinated attack led to the death of over 20 terrorists and was described as another major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
The military further stated that Nigerian forces and the US Africa Command will continue working together to intensify operations aimed at destroying terrorist networks and reducing their ability to launch attacks.
The DHQ added that the operations are focused on blocking terrorist movements, stopping regrouping attempts, and removing fighters from the battlefield.
Major General Samaila Uba also assured Nigerians that security forces remain committed to protecting the country and preventing terrorists from finding shelter anywhere within Nigeria.
The latest operation comes as Nigeria and the United States continue to strengthen security cooperation against terrorism, following recent reports of another joint mission targeting senior ISIS-linked commanders in the region.