The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reports that Nigerian troops, in conjunction with the United States Africa Command, have eliminated over 20 combatants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a recent coordinated aerial operation in the North-East.
The military reported that the strikes were executed in the vicinity of Metele based on intelligence regarding the movement and gathering of terrorist factions in the area.
This was included in a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Monday.
The operation was part of continuous attempts to destroy terrorist networks and eliminate safe havens for rebels in Nigeria.
The synchronised air attacks targeted ISIS/ISWAP combatants who were seen regrouping in the vicinity before to the assault.
The DHQ reported that the operation led to the neutralisation of over 20 terrorists, characterising it as a significant achievement in the counter-insurgency effort.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with US Africa Command, will persist in operations designed to diminish terrorist capabilities in the North-East.
The military asserted that the current operations aim to disrupt terrorist movements, eradicate combatants from the battlefield, and thwart regrouping efforts.
Maj.-Gen. Uba reaffirmed that no sanctuary for terrorists will exist anywhere in the nation, emphasising the military’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The discovery occurs alongside ongoing counterterrorism collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, subsequent to recent assertions of a joint operation that eliminated a high-ranking ISIS-affiliated individual in the area.