Military Airstrikes Neutralise 175 ISWAP Fighters in North-East
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that coordinated military airstrikes carried out by Nigerian forces in collaboration with the United States military neutralised no fewer than 175 fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East region.
The operation, described by military authorities as one of the most significant recent offensives against terrorism, targeted insurgent hideouts, logistics bases and operational camps believed to be used for launching attacks on civilian communities and security formations.
According to the DHQ, the joint operation was executed following extensive intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance that identified strategic ISWAP enclaves within the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding areas.
Military sources disclosed that several high-ranking commanders of the terrorist group were among those killed during the precision strikes.
The Defence Headquarters stated that the operation also led to the destruction of weapons stockpiles, communication equipment and improvised explosive device (IED) manufacturing sites used by the insurgents.
It added that the coordinated bombardments disrupted supply routes and movement corridors utilised by terrorist fighters across parts of Borno State and neighbouring territories.
The DHQ noted that the operation underscored the growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa.
According to security officials, the strikes were conducted with support from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, aerial coordination and strategic targeting.
Military authorities said the latest success had significantly weakened the operational capability of ISWAP fighters in the region.
The DHQ further assured residents of the North-East that ongoing military offensives would be sustained to eliminate remaining terrorist cells and restore lasting peace to affected communities.
Security analysts observed that the elimination of a large number of fighters could temporarily disrupt planned insurgent attacks and weaken recruitment efforts by extremist groups.
However, experts warned that sustained regional cooperation, humanitarian support and continuous intelligence-driven operations would remain essential in preventing the regrouping of terrorist factions operating within the Sahel region.
Nigeria has continued to battle insurgency in the North-East for more than a decade, with Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks resulting in thousands of deaths, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of millions of residents.
The Federal Government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening military operations and international partnerships aimed at combating terrorism and restoring stability across the country’s troubled regions.
