By Ayodele Oni
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has confirmed casualties in the fresh coordinated airstrike operations carried out by the Nigerian military with support from the United States Military in Borno State. The number of casualties was putting at 20.
According to the defence record, more than 20 suspected ISIS/ISWAP fighters were eliminated in the operation as confirmed on Monday by the Defence Headquarters.
It revealed that the onslaught targeted terrorist hideouts in the Metele area of northern Borno, a known flashpoint that has repeatedly come under insurgent attacks.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, revealed that the strikes were based on credible intelligence indicating the movement and convergence of terrorist elements in the area.
According to the statement, multiple airstrikes were executed on identified positions, leading to the elimination of over 20 fighters linked to ISIS/ISWAP.
The Defence Headquarters explained that the latest offensive is part of sustained counterterrorism operations in the North-East, aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and denying them safe havens.
It noted that the operation followed recent reports of the neutralisation of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, as part of ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist structures in the region.
“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 read.
The military further reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, stressing that insurgents will continue to face decisive action.
“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. There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” it added
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