Joint military operation delivers another major blow to ISIS fighters hiding in Nigeria’s North-East corridor
A fresh wave of coordinated airstrikes carried out by the United States and Nigerian military has reportedly wiped out no fewer than 20 ISIS fighters in Borno State, intensifying the ongoing crackdown on insurgents terrorising the North-East region.
According to reports, the operation targeted terrorist enclaves around the Lake Chad axis and parts of the notorious Tumbuns area, long identified as strongholds of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The strikes were executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
Military sources disclosed that the latest offensive came barely days after another joint operation eliminated a top ISIS commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, said to be one of the group’s most influential leaders in West Africa.
Security analysts say the renewed partnership between Nigeria and the United States signals growing international concern over the resurgence of extremist activities across the Sahel and Lake Chad region. Intelligence reports indicate that ISIS-linked fighters have recently intensified attacks on military bases and remote communities in Borno and neighbouring states.
Despite the military success, concerns remain over civilian safety following previous allegations of accidental strikes in conflict zones. Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for improved intelligence coordination to avoid civilian casualties during anti-terror operations.
The Nigerian military has yet to officially release full operational details, but defence insiders insist the latest strike significantly weakened insurgents’ logistics and mobility in the region.