President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian and United States forces over the killing of a senior Islamic State (IS) leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, in a joint counterterrorism operation.
In a statement issued from the State House on Saturday, Tinubu said the overnight operation marked a significant success in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
The president said the coordinated military strike targeted Al-Manuki’s compound in the Lake Chad Basin, resulting in the elimination of the insurgent commander, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants.
“Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants,” the president said.
Tinubu described the operation as a demonstration of effective security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, praising the armed forces of both countries for what he called a daring and professionally executed mission.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the United States for its partnership in advancing shared security goals and specifically thanked US President Donald Trump for his support.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” Tinubu said.
The president also commended military personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to intensifying the fight against terrorism.
Tinubu said he looked forward to “more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.”
US President Donald Trump had earlier today announced that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second in command of ISIS, had been killed in Nigeria.
He said on his Truth Social platform that al-Minuki was killed in a “complex mission” carried out by Nigerian and American troops.
The Lake Chad Basin, which spans parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has long been a hotspot for insurgent activities by terrorist groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.
