President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a wanted Islamic State leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to Tinubu, the operation was carried out overnight by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the United States. He said the strike dealt “a heavy blow” to the ranks of the Islamic State.
Early assessments from the operation confirmed that Abu-Mainok and several of his lieutenants were eliminated during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement personally signed by him, Tinubu described the operation as a significant example of effective collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” the President said.
“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 the successful operation underscored the importance of international partnerships in addressing security threats confronting the region.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” Tinubu stated.
The President also expressed gratitude to United States President Donald Trump for his “leadership and unwavering support” in the operation.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” he said.
Tinubu commended the military personnel involved in the operation on both sides for their professionalism and courage.
“Source: Leadership”
