At least 200 fighters aligned to the Islamic State (ISIS) group were killed in coordinated military operations carried out in northeastern Nigeria, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has reported.
The operations were conducted jointly with Nigerian forces in a continuing security partnership targeting ISIS-linked militants operating in the region.
“AFRICOM, in continued coordination with Nigeria, conducted operations against ISIS fighters in NE Nigeria,†the command centre said.
No casualties were reported among US or Nigerian troops involved in the operations, while AFRICOM did not provide details on the timing or specific nature of the missions conducted.
The northeastern region of Nigeria has long been a hotspot for insurgent activity, with extremist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) conducting attacks against civilians, security forces, and infrastructure for more than a decade.
Military operations in the area have intensified in recent years as Nigerian authorities, supported by international partners, including the US, attempt to contain the insurgency and prevent its spread across the Lake Chad Basin.
In February, nearly 100 US troops were deployed to Nigeria as part of a limited support mission aimed at strengthening the country's counterinsurgency capabilities.
The deployment involved personnel and equipment sent to the north-eastern region of Bauchi State, where they were integrated into training and intelligence-sharing arrangements with Nigerian forces.
According to Nigerian officials, the deployment was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government and was designed to improve coordination in ongoing operations against armed groups operating across the country's north and northeast.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” Nigerian Defence spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba said in a statement then.
Nigeria's military has repeatedly stated that it is making progress against insurgent groups, though sporadic attacks continue in remote areas, particularly in Borno State, where many militant factions remain active.
