By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that coordinated airstrikes conducted with the United States Africa Command killed more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters around Metele in Borno State.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the statement, the fresh operations targeted terrorist elements following intelligence reports on their movement and convergence within the area.
The Defence Headquarters said multiple airstrikes were subsequently carried out against the identified positions.
”The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across the 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 ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” the statement revealed.
It noted that the latest offensive followed the recent neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
“The ongoing operations are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” the statement read.
The military reiterated its resolve to continue offensive operations against terrorist groups threatening national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” Uba stated.
The Defence Headquarters added that terrorists operating anywhere within Nigeria would continue to face decisive military action.
“There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” the statement added.
DHQ, US Forces Kill 20 ISWAP Fighters In Fresh Metele Airstrikes
