President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed a joint counterterrorism operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States military that led to the elimination of a wanted Islamic State senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants.
In a statement, President Tinubu described the operation as a significant example of effective collaboration 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 stated.
He said the Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the United States Armed Forces, carried out a coordinated operation that dealt a major blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.
According to the President, preliminary assessments confirmed that Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki and several of his associates were eliminated during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the United States for its partnership in advancing shared security objectives and extended gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his leadership and 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,” he said.
The President also commended security personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage, while expressing optimism for more decisive operations against terrorist enclaves across the nation.