REPORT: US-Nigeria joint strike kills 21 ISWAP, 2 weeks after Al‑Minuki’s death
A joint air operation involving the Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) has reportedly killed 21 fighters belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency platform Zagazola Makama, the air strike was carried out on Saturday in Arege, a community in Kukawa Local Government Area, following intelligence reports that identified the presence of insurgents in the area.
The operation reportedly targeted a terrorist camp where ISWAP members were said to be planning attacks across parts of the Lake Chad region.
Sources quoted by the publication said the precision strike eliminated 21 suspected militants and significantly disrupted the group’s operational capacity.
The mission was described as part of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, destroying insurgent hideouts, and restricting their activities in the North-East.
According to the report, the strike was based on verified intelligence and extensive surveillance, ensuring a carefully coordinated operation.
Military officials reportedly said the successful mission reflects growing collaboration between Nigerian security forces and international partners in efforts to combat terrorism and improve regional security.
The operation is also expected to weaken the activities of insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad Basin, where remnants of terrorist factions have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities.
The latest strike comes two weeks after another series of coordinated US-Nigeria air operations in Metele, Borno State, reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
