Nigerian troops, working alongside the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), have killed more than 20 fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during coordinated airstrikes in Borno State, in what officials described as a renewed push against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.
The latest operation was carried out around Metele, a border community in northern Borno known for repeated terrorist activity and attacks on military formations. According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the strikes were launched after intelligence reports confirmed the movement and gathering of insurgents within the area.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the mission formed part of sustained counterterrorism operations designed to dismantle terrorist networks and deny insurgents safe havens across the North-East.
The DHQ disclosed that multiple targeted airstrikes hit identified terrorist positions, leading to the elimination of over 20 ISWAP and ISIS-affiliated fighters. Authorities added that the offensive followed recent successful operations against senior extremist figures operating within the region.
AFRICOM also confirmed the operation, stating that U.S. forces coordinated with the Nigerian government during the strikes. The command noted that no Nigerian or American personnel were injured during the mission, while assessments of the operation’s full impact were still ongoing.
The operation comes just days after a separate joint mission reportedly eliminated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified by Nigerian and U.S. officials as a senior ISIS commander operating in Africa. Reports indicated that the operation marked a significant escalation in security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
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Security analysts say the renewed collaboration reflects growing concern over the activities of ISWAP and other extremist groups around the Lake Chad region, where insurgents continue to launch attacks across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
Military authorities maintained that ongoing operations would continue until terrorist groups are completely degraded and prevented from regrouping in any part of the country. The Armed Forces also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and restoring lasting peace in the troubled North-East.
