By Bavoriat Clara
The Defence Headquarters has announced major successes in ongoing counter-terrorism operations jointly conducted by Nigeria and the United States against ISIS terrorists in the North-East region of the country, revealing that 175 terrorists have so far been eliminated.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the coordinated strikes, carried out in collaboration with the United States Africa Command, have dealt a devastating blow to ISIS operations in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the joint military offensive, which began a few days ago, has led to the destruction of several ISIS checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment and financial networks used to sustain terrorist activities across the region.
The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that the operations resulted in the elimination of several high-profile terrorist commanders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally. The military said al-Minuki played a key role in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting Nigerians and civilians in other parts of the world.
Other terrorists reportedly killed during the operations include Abd-al Wahhab, identified as a senior ISWAP leader responsible for coordinating attacks and propaganda activities; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, another senior ISWAP member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, said to be the manager of the ISWAP media production team and a close associate of al-Minuki.
The Defence Headquarters noted that the joint strikes further demonstrate the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to pursuing and eliminating terrorists wherever they may be operating within the country. It added that the ongoing operations would continue until all threats to national and regional security are neutralised.
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