No Safe Haven: Nigerian Military, US Forces Eliminate ISWAP Fighters in Major Air Assault”

Nigerian troops, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), have launched a major offensive against terrorists operating in the North-East, killing more than 20 fighters belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during coordinated air strikes in Borno State.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed on Monday that the operation targeted insurgent enclaves around Metele, a border community in northern Borno known for repeated terrorist activities and strategic movements by extremist groups operating within the Lake Chad region.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the latest strikes were carried out following credible intelligence and extensive surveillance which uncovered the movement and gathering of ISWAP fighters in the area.

The military explained that intelligence reports indicated that the terrorists were regrouping and planning fresh attacks on communities and security formations before the coordinated assault was launched.

“The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with the United States Africa Command, wishes to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria,” the statement read.

Military authorities stated that surveillance drones and intelligence assets monitored the terrorists’ activities for days before fighter aircraft executed precision strikes on identified hideouts and assembly points.

The air raids reportedly destroyed several terrorist positions, weapons storage facilities, and logistics hubs used by the insurgents for planning and coordinating attacks within the region.

Officials described the operation as part of an intensified counterterrorism campaign aimed at dismantling ISWAP’s operational structure, disrupting supply chains, and preventing insurgents from regrouping after suffering previous losses.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the offensive forms part of broader efforts by Nigerian forces and international allies to weaken terrorist networks that continue to threaten security in the North-East and surrounding regions.

Security sources revealed that the operation caused heavy casualties among the insurgents, with more than 20 fighters confirmed killed during the bombardment. Several others were said to have fled into surrounding areas with varying degrees of injuries.

Military authorities noted that troops remain on high alert while follow-up operations, including aerial surveillance and ground offensives, continue to track fleeing terrorists and eliminate remaining threats.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustaining pressure on terrorist organisations until lasting peace and stability are restored across the country.

Reaffirming the military’s determination, Major General Uba declared that terrorist groups would no longer enjoy freedom of movement or safe havens anywhere within Nigeria’s borders.

“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,” he stated.

The military also praised the growing cooperation between Nigeria and international partners, particularly the United States Africa Command, describing the partnership as critical in enhancing intelligence sharing, surveillance capabilities, and precision strike operations against extremist groups.

Security analysts believe the latest offensive signals an escalation in joint military operations against ISWAP and other terrorist factions operating across the Lake Chad Basin, especially as authorities intensify efforts to prevent renewed attacks on civilian populations and military installations.

The development comes only days after United States President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the killing of notorious ISIS commander Al-Minuki during another joint counterterrorism operation involving Nigerian and American forces.

Trump had described Al-Minuki as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists, claiming the extremist leader was regarded as ISIS’ second-in-command globally. He also stated that the commander believed Africa would serve as a hiding place beyond the reach of international security forces before he was eventually tracked and eliminated.