By Helen Udo.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has continued coordinated military operations against ISIS-linked terrorists in Nigeria’s North East, carrying out fresh airstrikes in the general area of Metele.
The operation forms part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating within the region.
In a statement issued by Major General SAMAILA UBA, Director, Defence Information, on 18 May 2026nin Abuja.
According to the DHQ, intelligence and surveillance operations detected the convergence and movement of terrorist fighters, prompting precision airstrikes on identified targets.
The strikes reportedly resulted in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters during the operation.Military authorities stated that the latest offensive follows the recent neutralisation of notorious ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and is designed to further degrade the operational capacity of terrorist groups, deny them freedom of movement, and prevent the establishment of safe havens anywhere in the country.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, stressing that all terrorists threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability would be tracked down and defeated. The military also declared that there would be no safe haven for terrorists anywhere within Nigeria.
