President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior Islamic State (ISIS) commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, in a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued from the State House on Saturday, President Tinubu described the overnight operation as a major success in the fight against terrorism, saying it highlighted the growing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
According to the President, Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with their American counterparts, launched what he described as a “daring joint operation” targeting the ISIS leader’s compound.
“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,” the statement said.
Tinubu praised the partnership with the United States in advancing shared security goals and expressed appreciation to United States 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 stated.
The President also commended military personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage, expressing optimism for more coordinated offensives against terrorist hideouts across the country.
“I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation,” he added.
The operation marks one of the latest high-profile counterterrorism efforts targeting extremist groups operating within the Lake Chad region, a long-standing hotspot for insurgent activities.
