The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has stepped up its operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele in Borno.

In a statement on Monday, the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba said the multiple air strikes followed observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.

Uba said the ongoing operations followed the elimination of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki on Saturday, and “are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any haven within Nigeria”.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated.

“There will be no haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria” the statement said.