President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Tinubu said the overnight operation was executed by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the United States military as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency in the region.
The President disclosed that the operation led to the elimination of Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his top lieutenants during a coordinated strike on his hideout.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” the statement read.
“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 stated that preliminary intelligence reports confirmed the death of the wanted terrorist leader during the operation 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,” he added.
The President commended the personnel involved in the operation and expressed appreciation to the United States for supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign.
Tinubu also thanked Donald Trump for what he described as steadfast support and leadership in the joint security effort.
“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,” the President said.
The Lake Chad Basin, which cuts across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, has remained a major hotspot for terrorist activities by insurgent groups linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram.