Nigerian, US forces kill over 20 ISWAP fighters in North-East — DHQ

More than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have been killed by Nigerian troops working with the United States Africa Command, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in a new coordinated air operation in the northeast.

According to the military, intelligence information regarding the movement and consolidation of terrorist elements in the area prompted the strikes in the general Metele area.

Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defense Information, made this announcement on Monday.

The statement said that the operation was a part of continuous efforts to destroy terrorist networks and prevent rebels from finding safe havens in Nigeria.

It clarified that ISIS/ISWAP members who had been seen regrouping in the area prior to the attack were the focus of the coordinated airstrikes.

More than 20 terrorists were killed, according to the DHQ, which called the operation a significant victory in the counter-insurgency effort.

It further stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will carry out ongoing operations in collaboration with US Africa Command with the goal of weakening terrorist capabilities in the Northeast.

The military added that the ongoing operations are intended to stop terrorists from moving, remove combatants from the battlefield, and stop them from reorganizing.

Maj.-Gen. Uba emphasized the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while restating that there would be no safe harbor for terrorists anywhere in the nation.

The discovery coincides with Nigeria and the United States’ ongoing counterterrorism collaboration, following reports of a joint operation that killed a prominent ISIS-affiliated individual in the area.