The United States and Nigerian forces carried out fresh strikes on Sunday against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria’s northeast Borno State, the US military said. The Nigerian military reported that at least 20 jihadists were killed in the weekend operation.
The raids followed a recent joint operation that killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, whom Nigerian authorities described as the deputy leader of the group’s West African branch and one of its most active commanders. Nigerian officials said removing such leaders is a significant development after more than a decade of insurgency by armed groups, including Boko Haram.
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement that no US or Nigerian forces were harmed during the strikes and that intelligence confirmed the targets were Islamic State militants. AFRICOM added that eliminating these fighters reduces the group’s ability to plan attacks that could threaten the United States and its partners. Nigeria’s military characterized the operation as a continuation of coordinated efforts against ISIS-affiliated militants across the country’s restive northeast.
Security situation in the north
Nigeria’s northern region faces overlapping security threats: Islamist militant groups and increasingly active criminal gangs. Analysts say attacks and raids frequently target civilians without regard to religion. The persistent violence has strained local communities and complicated security responses.
The United States deployed troops to Nigeria in February in a primarily advisory and training role. Since the strikes and the killing of Mainuki, questions have arisen about whether cooperation between the two militaries is expanding beyond training into more direct operational involvement.
Separate attack in Katsina State
In a different incident, gunmen attacked rural communities in Bakori Local Government Area of northwestern Katsina State, killing at least 10 people, including women and children, residents said. The assailants burned homes, looted livestock and fled the area, according to witnesses.
A resident who escaped the attack said heavily armed bandits stormed the farming settlements, opened fire and captured and killed several people, including a pregnant woman. The assault happened while many residents had gone to a nearby market to prepare for the Eid al-Adha celebrations, leaving villages more exposed. Eid al-Adha is a major Muslim feast during which communities typically gather livestock and supplies for the holiday.
Edited by Louis Oelofse