By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has killed more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP terrorists in renewed coordinated air strikes conducted in the general area of Metele, Borno State, as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
The latest offensive followed intelligence reports indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist elements in the area, prompting precision strikes on identified targets.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the coordinated bombardments successfully eliminated over 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
Uba explained that the sustained operations came on the heels of the recent neutralisation of senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, and formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, deny insurgents safe haven, and remove them from the battlefield.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defending the country’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity against all threats.
“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 stated.
Uba further stressed that there would be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria, assuring citizens that military operations against insurgent groups would continue with sustained intensity.
