Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the continuation of robust, coordinated airstrikes in partnership with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists operating across the North-east region. This sustained offensive follows the high-profile neutralization of a key ISWAP figure just last week, signalling an intensified commitment to dislodging the terror group.
The collaboration led to the significant elimination of Abubakar Mainok, an individual President Trump identified as the second-in-command of the Islamic State globally. Premium Times had previously reported on this critical development. President Tinubu, in a formal statement, corroborated the killing of Mr. Mainok alongside numerous other terrorists within his compound located in the volatile Lake Chad region. The military further clarified that Mr. Mainok, also known by his alias Abu-Bilal al-Minuk, met his end specifically at the ISWAP stronghold in Metele, Borno State.
The announcement of Mr. Mainok’s death, however, sparked considerable public discourse and skepticism among Nigerians. Many citizens quickly referenced past media reports where the military had, as recently as 2024, made similar claims regarding the death of the same individual. Responding to this public doubt, both the military high command and the Presidency issued clarifying, though at times seemingly contradictory, statements, steadfastly affirming that the terror leader has indeed been permanently neutralized this time around. This ongoing back-and-forth highlights the pervasive trust issues often encountered in reporting on security operations within the Nigerian context.
Providing an update on Monday, Samaila Uba, the spokesperson for the DHQ, disclosed that the intensified aerial bombardments have resulted in the neutralization of more than 20 additional ISWAP members in various parts of the North-east. Mr. Uba elaborated that these recent precision strikes were carried out in the vicinity of Metele, following actionable intelligence indicating the convergence and movements of terrorist fighters in the area.
According to military sources, these operations are an integral part of broader, ongoing counter-terrorism efforts that gained fresh impetus after the recent demise of Mr. Mainok. “The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” Mr. Uba emphasized, outlining the strategic objectives.
He further reiterated the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to persist with operations aimed at safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mr. Uba firmly stressed that all terrorists who threaten the peace of communities and the stability of the nation would be relentlessly tracked down and eliminated. “There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria,” he declared, sending a strong message to the insurgent groups and assuring the Nigerian populace.
Originally sourced from Premium Times. This article has been rewritten for our readers.
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