A coordinated military operation involving Nigerian forces and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reportedly led to the death of 21 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State.
According to security sources, the operation targeted a terrorist hideout in the Arege area of Kukawa Local Government Area, a region considered one of the insurgents’ strongholds around the Lake Chad Basin.
The airstrike was said to have been carried out after intelligence reports and surveillance activities confirmed the presence of armed fighters at the location. Military sources indicated that the camp was being used to coordinate attacks and movement across parts of the North-East.
A counter-insurgency source according to reports said the operation was launched after “credible intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance” confirmed terrorist activity within the area.
The strike is believed to be part of the growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist groups operating in the region.
The latest operation comes only weeks after another joint mission reportedly eliminated senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a figure described by both Nigerian and US officials as one of the most influential leaders within the terrorist network.
Reacting to that earlier operation, President Bola Tinubu described it as “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
US President Donald Trump had also praised the mission, saying: “Brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission.”
Authorities have not reported any casualties among Nigerian or US personnel involved in the operation. However, security forces are expected to continue surveillance and clearance missions in surrounding areas to prevent regrouping by surviving fighters.
The Nigerian military has yet to release an official statement on the latest strike as of the time of reporting this.