The Nigerian military, working alongside the United States Africa Command (US-AFRICOM), has reportedly killed 21 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an air strike in Arege, Kukawa LGA of Borno State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that the operation was carried out on Saturday after intelligence reports and surveillance confirmed the presence of ISWAP fighters in the area.
According to the publication, the strike targeted a terrorist camp where insurgents were allegedly planning attacks within the Lake Chad region.
“The precision engagement resulted in the elimination of 21 terrorists and caused significant disruption to the operational capabilities of the criminal elements,” Makama reported.
The sources added that the mission formed part of ongoing coordinated efforts between Nigeria and the United States to weaken terrorist networks, destroy their hideouts, and restrict their activities across the North-East.
The publication further described the operation as “intelligence-driven” and “carefully executed”.
Military authorities reportedly said the successful mission reflects the growing cooperation between Nigerian security forces and international partners in the fight against terrorism and the promotion of regional security.
The operation is also expected to further reduce terrorist activities around the Lake Chad Basin, where remnants of insurgent groups have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities.
The latest strike comes just weeks after more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed in a series of joint US-Nigeria air strikes in Metele, Borno State.