Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced the killing of more than 20 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in fresh coordinated airstrikes carried out with the support of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State. The operation targeted terrorist enclaves around Metele, a community in northern Borno that has repeatedly been used as a staging ground for insurgent attacks. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, May 18, 2026, by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
According to the military, the airstrikes followed intelligence reports indicating the movement and gathering of terrorist fighters within the area. “The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across the North‑East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read. The military said multiple airstrikes were launched on identified terrorist positions, leading to the killing of more than 20 ISWAP fighters. AFRICOM confirmed that no US or Nigerian personnel were injured during the operation.
The fresh strikes come just days after US President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the killing of Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki, described by Trump as the “second in command of ISIS globally”. Al‑Minuki was eliminated alongside several of his lieutenants during a separate joint counterterrorism mission. The Lake Chad basin has long been a stronghold for Boko Haram and its rival faction, ISWAP, and the latest operation signals an intensification of the military campaign against the groups.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters said the latest offensive is part of sustained counterterrorism operations in the North‑East, aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and denying them safe havens. “The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” the statement said. The military reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, stressing that insurgents will continue to face decisive action. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” Uba stated. “Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”
Metele and surrounding communities in northern Borno remain among the major conflict zones affected by insurgency linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. The operation is part of an expanded counter‑insurgency push supported by international intelligence cooperation as authorities intensify operations against extremist groups in the region.
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