By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters says coordinated airstrikes in the Metele general area of
Borno have killed more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters in continued counter-
terrorism operations in the North-East.
The DHQ in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM),
said the strikes were executed following credible intelligence on the movement and
convergence of terrorist elements in the area.
This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja, by the Director of Defence
Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba.
Uba said that the operations formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist
networks and deny them safe havens in the country.
He also said the latest strikes followed earlier operations that led to the
neutralisation of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
According to him, the ongoing offensive is aimed at degrading terrorist
capabilities, disrupting their operations, and maintaining pressure on insurgent
groups across the North-East theatre. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue
to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the
nation.”
He added that troops would relentlessly pursue all terrorist elements threatening
communities, stressing that there would be “no safe haven for terrorists anywhere
within Nigeria”.
Uba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustained air and ground operations
in collaboration with international partners to restore lasting peace in affected
regions
