US–Nigeria airstrike kills 21 ISWAP fighters in Borno

A joint air operation by the Nigerian military and the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) has reportedly killed 21 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

According to sources cited by a counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama said the strike was carried out on Saturday in Arege, Kukawa Local Government Area, following intelligence that confirmed the presence of insurgents in the area.

The operation reportedly targeted a camp where the fighters were said to be planning attacks within the Lake Chad region.

Makama said the precision strike eliminated 21 insurgents and disrupted their operational capacity, dealing a significant blow to their activities in the area.

The mission was described as intelligence-driven and carefully executed, forming part of ongoing coordinated efforts between Nigerian forces and international partners to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them safe havens in the North-East.

Military officials noted that the operation reflects growing collaboration between Nigeria and its allies in counterterrorism operations.

The strike is also expected to weaken insurgent activities around the Lake Chad Basin, where remnants of armed groups continue to regroup and launch attacks on vulnerable communities.

The development follows a similar joint operation in Metele, Borno State, weeks earlier, in which more than 20 ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed.