The Defence Headquarters has said joint counterterrorism operations involving Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command have recorded fresh gains following coordinated air strikes on terrorist enclaves in the North-East.
According to the DHQ, more than 20 fighters belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province were killed during the latest bombardment carried out in the general area of Metele, Borno State.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the operations were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny insurgents freedom of movement across the region.
Uba explained that the latest offensive followed intelligence reports indicating the movement and gathering of terrorist elements within the area.
He said the operation was also a continuation of recent military actions that led to the killing of an ISIS commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
The statement read in part, “The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with the United States Africa Command, wishes to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele.
“Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple air strikes were conducted, resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.”
The military high command stated that the sustained offensives were aimed at removing terrorists from the battlefield and preventing them from establishing safe havens anywhere within the country.
It added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to defending the nation’s sovereignty and protecting citizens from threats posed by insurgent groups.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated,” the statement added.
The DHQ reiterated that there would be no hiding place for terrorists operating within Nigeria.
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