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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Fresh joint military strikes have been launched against Islamic State (ISIS) fighters operating in Nigeria, in a renewed counterterrorism offensive involving Nigerian forces and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
According to reports released on Monday, the latest coordinated airstrikes targeted ISIS strongholds in northeastern Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to weaken the terror group’s operational capacity in the region.
AFRICOM confirmed that the operation was carried out successfully in collaboration with Nigerian security forces, with no casualties recorded among Nigerian or American personnel involved in the mission. The strikes are believed to have focused on militant hideouts and logistics hubs linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The fresh offensive comes just days after a major joint operation reportedly killed senior ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by US officials as one of the terror group’s top global leaders. The operation, conducted in the Lake Chad Basin area, was hailed by both the Nigerian and US governments as a significant blow against extremist networks operating across West Africa.
Military sources said the renewed strikes are aimed at preventing ISIS fighters from regrouping following the elimination of key commanders. Intelligence gathered from previous operations reportedly helped identify new targets linked to insurgent activities in northern Nigeria.
The Nigerian military has in recent months intensified collaboration with international allies to combat terrorism in Nigeria.