President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, popularly known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement released by the State House on Saturday, the President described the overnight military operation as a major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism and a clear demonstration of strong security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
According to Tinubu, Nigerian troops, working alongside US military forces, carried out a coordinated strike on the terrorist leader’s hideout, leading to the elimination of Al-Manuki and several of his top associates.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” the President stated.
“Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.”
Tinubu added that preliminary intelligence reports confirmed the death of the wanted ISIS commander during the raid on his compound in the Lake Chad region.
The President also expressed appreciation to the United States government for its continued partnership in tackling terrorism and strengthening regional security efforts.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” he said.
Tinubu further thanked former US President Donald Trump for his support and leadership in the operation, while commending military personnel from both countries for their courage and professionalism.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to intensifying military offensives against terrorist groups operating across Nigeria.
Earlier, former US President Donald Trump disclosed on his Truth Social platform that American forces, in collaboration with the Nigerian military, successfully carried out the operation after extensive intelligence gathering and strategic coordination targeting terrorist activities in Africa.
Trump described Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki as a top-ranking ISIS figure and the group’s second-in-command globally.
