By Our Correspondent

National News – Nigerian troops in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) carried out coordinated air strikes in the North-East, killing more than 20 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The operation, conducted on Monday, May 18, 2026, targeted terrorist convergence points in the general area of Metele following credible intelligence on movement and regrouping of insurgents.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the strikes formed part of sustained counterterrorism operations aimed at dismantling ISIS-linked networks, denying them safe havens, and restoring security in affected communities.

The military said the joint mission used precision air power to neutralise the targets and disrupt planned attacks against civilians and security forces.

Officials reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to defending the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring terrorists have no operational space.

The Defence Headquarters explained that the air operations were executed after surveillance detected the movement and convergence of terrorist elements in Metele, a known flashpoint in Nigeria’s North-East insurgency corridor.

The DHQ added that the mission is part of wider regional counter-ISIS efforts, coming shortly after reports linked to the elimination of a high-profile ISIS figure, Al-Minuki, in a separate joint operation, reinforcing pressure on terrorist networks across West Africa.

The military reaffirmed that ongoing air operations will continue across the North-East to deny insurgents safe havens and protect civilian populations.

Security analysts note that the joint Nigeria–US strategy reflects increasing international cooperation in counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.

Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant as operations intensify, while authorities insist that sustained pressure will weaken ISWAP’s operational capacity and reduce attacks across vulnerable communities.