By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reports
ABOUT 200 Islamic State linked terrorists have been eliminated and several high-profile commanders neutralised in coordinated Nigerian and United States (US) military operations across Nigeria’s North-East.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the operation is said to involved months of intelligence gathering, surveillance and precision strikes, and destroyed terrorist infrastructure including checkpoints, logistics hubs and operational bases used to coordinate attacks and sustain insurgent activities.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the operation as a product of extensive cooperation between American and Nigerian security agencies.
Rebecca Hayes, Director of Public Affairs, AFRICOM, said success stemmed from sustained intelligence sharing and strategic planning between both countries.
She said the operation targeted key elements of the Islamic State regional network and significantly degraded its ability to launch attacks and maintain territorial influence.
The Nigerian military also confirmed the development.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the joint offensive led to the elimination of several notorious terrorist commanders regarded as high value targets.
He said the operation combined intelligence support, surveillance capabilities and precision military actions designed to dismantle terrorist cells and disrupt command structures.
He said the collaboration has significantly weakened operational capacity of insurgent groups and disrupted activities across several locations in the North-East.
He reiterated commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustain the offensive until terrorist groups are defeated and peace restored to affected communities.
Security sources also said the joint operations began earlier this year following an invitation by the Nigerian government for enhanced military cooperation, focusing on insurgent strongholds in the North-East.
In May, security officials reported that one of the most senior leaders of the Islamic State Nigerian faction was killed during a targeted military operation seen as a precursor to the latest offensive.
Despite recent successes authorities warned the threat remains far from over.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that security experts note insurgent organisations have increasingly adopted guerrilla tactics relocating from traditional strongholds and spreading into new territories.
The Defence Headquarters further acknowledged that sustained offensives have forced terrorists to abandon camps and seek refuge in remote areas and neighbouring regions.
It described the renewed military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States as one expected to strengthen ongoing counterterrorism operations in intelligence gathering aerial surveillance and precision targeting.
However, US officials clarified there are currently no plans to establish a permanent American military base on Nigerian soil.
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