The Nigerian Military, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (US Africom), has reportedly killed 21 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a coordinated airstrike in Borno State.
The operation was carried out in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area, following intelligence and surveillance that confirmed the presence of ISWAP fighters in the area.
According to sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the strike was executed on Saturday and targeted a terrorist camp where the insurgents were allegedly planning attacks across 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,” the report stated.
It added that the operation formed part of sustained coordinated efforts between Nigerian security forces and international partners to degrade terrorist networks, destroy their hideouts, and deny them freedom of action across the North-East theatre of operations.
Military sources described the strike as intelligence-driven and carefully executed, noting that it reflects growing synergy between Nigerian forces and international allies in the fight against terrorism.
The publication further reported that the successful operation is expected to weaken 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 airstrike comes weeks after more than 20 ISWAP fighters were also killed in separate joint air operations in Metele, Borno State, underscoring ongoing military pressure on insurgent groups in the region.