By Zainab Bakare
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), has intensified coordinated military operations against ISIS militants in Nigeria’s North-East, recording fresh successes in targeted air strike missions around Metele in Borno State.
This is disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the statement, the latest operation follows intelligence reports indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist elements within the area, prompting multiple air strikes against identified targets.
The Defence Headquarters states that the strikes successfully eliminated more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters during the operation.
The military notes that the ongoing offensive comes after the earlier neutralisation of ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, as part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny insurgents safe havens across the country.
“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 said.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security against all forms of terrorism and insurgency.
“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,” the statement added.
The DHQ further stressed that there would be no safe haven for terrorists operating anywhere within Nigeria.
