The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian troops have conducted further airstrikes in northeastern Nigeria against the Islamic State.
The attack comes after the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was killed with several of his soldiers on Friday, Daily Trust reports.
“Neither U.S. nor Nigerian forces were harmed during the strikes,” AFRICOM stated in a statement.
The Defence Headquarters, commenting on the operation, reported more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters were killed.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the operation was intended at hitting terrorist hideouts in Metele area of northern Borno, a notorious hotbed for rebel attacks.
In a statement, he claimed the strikes were launched on the basis of credible evidence that terrorist elements were on the move and converging in the area.
The Defence Headquarters said: “The recent offensive is part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the North-East designed to break down insurgent networks and deny them havens.
“The operations are in continuation of the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battle field and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” the statement said.
The military also restated its resolve to maintain Nigeria’s territorial integrity, saying insurgents will continue to be dealt with decisively.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to defend vigorously the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. We will hunt down and kill terrorists who endanger our citizens, our communities and our national stability. “There will be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” it stated.
It was recently reported how President Bola Tinubu and his American counterpart, Donald Trump announced a joint operation which led to the assassination of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki.
About the Author
