US, Nigerian Forces Kill 20 ISWAP Terrorists in Fresh Borno Airstrikes

US, Nigerian Forces Kill 20 ISWAP Terrorists in Fresh Borno Airstrikes

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that joint military operations involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) have recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East region.

The coordinated offensive, which involved multiple precision airstrikes on terrorist enclaves around Metele in Borno State, reportedly led to the elimination of more than 20 fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and ISIS terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin.

The latest military action forms part of intensified counterterrorism operations targeting insurgent strongholds across North-East Nigeria following the recent killing of notorious ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the operation was carried out in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) after intelligence reports revealed renewed movement and concentration of terrorist fighters within the Metele axis.

According to the DHQ, surveillance operations detected the migration and convergence of insurgents attempting to regroup after previous military offensives against their camps and operational bases.

“The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with 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 airstrike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.

“Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple airstrikes were conducted resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.”

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Military authorities explained that the sustained bombardments are aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics structures, disrupting insurgent mobility, destroying weapons stockpiles, and denying terrorists safe havens anywhere within Nigerian territory.

Security sources disclosed that several terrorist hideouts, logistics hubs, and suspected command centres were destroyed during the latest air raids.

The operation is believed to be a continuation of coordinated offensives launched after the recent neutralisation of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also identified as one of ISIS’ senior commanders operating across West Africa and the Sahel region.

International security reports indicated that Al-Minuki was eliminated during a separate joint operation involving Nigerian troops and US military support within the Lake Chad Basin area of Borno State.

The United States government had previously designated the slain commander as a global terrorist over allegations linked to the coordination of extremist activities, recruitment, financing, and attacks across parts of West Africa.

Military intelligence sources revealed that advanced aerial reconnaissance, surveillance technology, and intelligence-sharing between Nigerian authorities and international allies contributed significantly to the success of the latest strikes.

AFRICOM also reportedly confirmed that the operation was successfully conducted in support of Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and stabilise the region.

The Nigerian military stressed that the ongoing operations are part of broader efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of insurgent groups threatening national security and civilian populations in the North-East.

Major General Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining aggressive offensives against terrorists until all insurgent enclaves are dismantled.

“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,” he said.

“There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”

The renewed military operations come amid growing concerns over the activities of extremist groups across the Lake Chad region and the wider Sahel, where terrorist organisations have continued to exploit porous borders, weak governance structures, and regional instability.

For more than a decade, Borno State and surrounding areas in North-East Nigeria have remained major flashpoints of insurgency involving Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, resulting in thousands of deaths, mass displacement of residents, and widespread humanitarian crises.

However, Nigerian security forces have intensified both aerial and ground offensives in recent months, targeting terrorist camps, supply routes, and leadership structures as part of efforts to restore peace and stability to affected communities.

Security analysts believe the increasing collaboration between Nigeria and international allies, especially in intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance, has improved the effectiveness of military operations against terrorist groups operating within the region.

Residents in conflict-affected communities have also continued to call for sustained military pressure, increased humanitarian intervention, and stronger security presence to prevent fleeing insurgents from regrouping.

US, Nigerian Forces Kill 20 ISWAP Terrorists in Fresh Borno Airstrikes