Joint US-Nigeria Airstrike Reportedly Kills 21 ISWAP Fighters in Borno

A joint airstrike carried out by the Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) has reportedly killed 21 fighters belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the operation was conducted on Saturday following intelligence gathering and surveillance that confirmed the presence of ISWAP operatives in the area.

The report stated that the strike targeted a terrorist camp where insurgents were allegedly planning attacks across communities in the Lake Chad region.

“The precision engagement resulted in the elimination of 21 terrorists and caused significant disruption to the operational capabilities of the criminal elements,” the publication quoted sources as saying.

The operation was said to be part of ongoing coordinated efforts between Nigerian security forces and the United States to dismantle terrorist networks, destroy insurgent hideouts, and limit the operational freedom of armed groups in the North-East.

According to the report, the mission was intelligence-led and carefully executed to maximize its impact on the terrorist cell.

Military sources reportedly described the strike as another example of growing security cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners in the fight against terrorism and efforts to strengthen regional stability.

The operation is also expected to weaken ISWAP activities around the Lake Chad Basin, where remnants of insurgent groups have continued attempts to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities.

The latest strike comes just weeks after a series of joint US-Nigeria air operations reportedly killed more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters in Metele, Borno State.