Nigerian military, working alongside the United States Africa Command, reportedly killed 21 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province during an air strike in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to security publication Zagazola Makama, the operation was carried out on Saturday, May 30, after intelligence and surveillance reportedly confirmed the presence of ISWAP fighters in the area. Security sources cited by the publication said the strike targeted a terrorist camp where 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 publication quoted sources as saying.
According to the report, the operation formed part of ongoing joint efforts between Nigerian security forces and US partners aimed at degrading terrorist networks, destroying their safe havens and limiting their ability to operate across the North-East.
The publication described the strike as intelligence-driven and carefully executed, adding that military authorities viewed the mission as evidence of growing cooperation between Nigeria and international partners in the fight against terrorism.
Sources said the operation is expected to further weaken insurgent activities around the Lake Chad Basin, where remnants of terrorist groups have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities. The latest strike comes weeks after reports that more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters were killed during a series of joint Nigerian-US air operations in Metele, Borno State.
