The Defence Headquarters has announced the continuation of coordinated military operations against ISIS/ISWAP terrorists across Nigeria’s North-East, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
According to a statement issued on Monday, Director of Defence Information Major General Samaila Uba said additional precision airstrikes were successfully carried out in the general area of Metele following intelligence indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist elements in the region.
The strikes reportedly resulted in the neutralisation of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters. The latest operation builds on recent gains, including the elimination of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in earlier coordinated engagements.
The Defence Headquarters stated that the ongoing offensive forms part of a sustained campaign to dismantle terrorist networks, deny them freedom of movement, and eliminate safe havens across the country.
It reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defending the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of citizens, stressing that terrorist elements will continue to be tracked and decisively engaged wherever they operate.
“There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” the statement added.
