DHQ Confirms Over 20 ISIS Fighters Killed in US–Nigeria Airstrikes in Borno
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says over 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters have been killed in coordinated US–Nigeria airstrikes in Metele, Borno State.
In a statement issued on Monday, Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, said the operation followed the observed “convergence and movement of terrorist elements” in the area.
He explained that the strikes came after the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, adding that the military operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them safe havens in Nigeria.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the statement read.
“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.”
The United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) also confirmed the strikes on its website, saying the “kinetic operations against ISIS in northeastern Nigeria” were carried out on Sunday in coordination with the Nigerian government.
It stated that intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS fighters, adding that assessments of the operation were still ongoing. It also noted that no U.S. or Nigerian troops were injured.
“The removal of these terrorists diminishes the group’s capacity to plan attacks that threaten the safety and security of the U.S. and our partners,” AFRICOM said.
Recall that last Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, describing him as ISIS’ second-in-command, saying he was eliminated in a joint Nigerian and American operation.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
