AFRICOM, Nigerian Forces Kill Over 200 ISIS Fighters In Joint North-East Operation
A joint military operation involving United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian security forces has reportedly resulted in the killing of over 200 fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria’s North-East region.
The operation, carried out in areas around the Lake Chad Basin, is part of ongoing coordinated efforts between both countries to weaken terrorist networks operating across Borno State and surrounding areas, where insurgent groups have remained active for years.
According to reports, the strikes and ground operations targeted suspected militant hideouts and movement routes used by ISIS-affiliated fighters. Military sources said the operation was based on intelligence tracking the convergence and activities of armed groups in the region.
The U.S. Africa Command confirmed that the mission was conducted in collaboration with Nigerian forces, stressing that it was part of broader counterterrorism support aimed at improving security and stability in the North-East.
Officials also indicated that senior figures within the ISWAP network were among those neutralised during the operation, making it one of the most significant coordinated offensives against the group in recent times.
The Lake Chad region has long remained a major stronghold for extremist groups, with Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger all affected by years of insurgency that has led to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
Security analysts say the latest operation highlights the growing role of international cooperation in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, even as the insurgency continues to adapt and operate in remote and difficult terrain.
Authorities have not released full operational details, but both Nigerian and U.S. officials maintain that such joint missions are part of sustained efforts to degrade the capacity of extremist groups and protect civilian populations in affected communities.
The development comes amid continued military pressure on insurgent groups in the North-East, where security forces have intensified operations in recent months.