The Nigerian military has announced that coordinated joint operations between Nigerian and United States forces have resulted in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters in the North-east region of the country.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed in an official statement that the Defence Headquarters, working in close collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), successfully carried out multiple air strikes targeting ISIS militants in the Metele area following intelligence reports of the convergence and movement of terrorist elements in the region.
According to Major General Uba, the latest strikes are a continuation of sustained counterterrorism operations that have already recorded significant successes, including the earlier neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. He described the ongoing campaign as part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, degrade their fighting capacity, and deny them any safe haven within Nigerian territory and across the wider Sahel region.
The military spokesperson reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protecting the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, warning that no terrorist would find refuge anywhere within the country.
“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,” General Uba declared.
The joint operations between Nigeria and the United States reflect growing bilateral security cooperation in the fight against insurgency and violent extremism across West Africa and the Sahel.