President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of notorious ISIS senior commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, in a coordinated military operation jointly executed by Nigerian troops and the United States Armed Forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
The President described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism, saying the daring strike dealt a devastating blow to the Islamic State network operating within the region.
Tinubu made this known in a statement on Saturday, where he hailed the growing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
“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.”
According to him, preliminary intelligence reports confirmed that Al-Manuki and several of his top lieutenants were eliminated during precision strikes on their hideout in the Lake Chad Basin.
“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, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin,” Tinubu said.
The President expressed appreciation to United States President Donald Trump for what he described as unwavering support and leadership in strengthening bilateral security cooperation between both nations.
“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,” he added.
Tinubu also commended the gallantry, professionalism, and courage displayed by Nigerian and American military personnel involved in the operation.
The President further vowed that the Federal Government would sustain intensified offensives against terrorist cells and criminal enclaves threatening national security.
“I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation,” the statement added.
The successful operation is expected to significantly weaken ISIS-linked activities within the Lake Chad region, where extremist groups have continued to launch attacks across parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
