The Nigerian military has reported the death of over 20 suspected ISIS/ISWAP militants following fresh coordinated airstrikes conducted alongside the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.
The operation reportedly targeted terrorist enclaves around Metele, a community in northern Borno frequently attacked by insurgents.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation followed intelligence reports indicating the movement and gathering of terrorist fighters within the area.
“The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across the North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.
The military said multiple airstrikes were launched on identified terrorist positions, leading to the killing of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
The latest operation comes days after the reported killing of notorious ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during another joint operation involving Nigerian and American forces.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operations are aimed at disrupting terrorist networks, restricting their movement, and preventing them from establishing safe havens within Nigerian territory.
“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,” Uba stated.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to combating insurgency and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the military said.
“Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”
Metele and surrounding communities in northern Borno remain among the major conflict zones affected by insurgency linked to Boko Haram and ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
U.S AFRICOM confirmed the operation
The United States Africa Command, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed the development.
The statement said; On May 17, 2026, U.S. Africa Command, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria, conducted additional kinetic strikes against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria.
Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants. Complete assessments are ongoing. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed.
The removal of these terrorists diminishes the group’s capacity to plan attacks that threaten the safety and security of the U.S. and our partners.
AFRICOM remains committed to leveraging specialized U.S. capabilities in support of our partners to defeat shared security threats.
Publisher,
Lagos Post Online,
Lagos Post is an online publication that seeks to provide fair, unbiased, credible, balanced and useful information about Corporate Organisations, Governments and the General Public by breaking news in Business, Politics, Arts, Entertainment, Culture, and Sports in Nigeria, Africa and the World. As a global news portal, we continually stand for responsible journalism and sound media practice.
Email: lagospostng@gmail.com
