The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday said Nigerian troops, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), have killed more than 20 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in fresh coordinated airstrikes in the North-East.

The DHQ said the operation was conducted in the Metele general area following intelligence reports indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist elements within the region.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the military said the strikes formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and deny insurgents safe havens across the country.

“Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple airstrikes were conducted, resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters,” the statement said.

The Defence Headquarters added that the operation is aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, degrading their capabilities, and preventing regrouping.

It reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, insisting that terrorists would continue to be tracked and neutralised.

“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,” Maj.-Gen. Uba said.

The development follows recent claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump and President Bola Tinubu on the killing of an ISIS kingpin, Al-Minuki, during a joint counterterrorism operation involving Nigerian forces and AFRICOM.

Trump had described the slain militant as one of the world’s most active terrorist figures and claimed he held a senior position within ISIS leadership globally.