President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the elimination of a senior Islamic State (IS) commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces.
In a statement issued on Saturday morning, Tinubu said the operation was carried out overnight in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to the President, the operation targeted the compound of the wanted terrorist leader and resulted in the killing of several of his lieutenants.
Tinubu described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
“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 read.
The President commended the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in advancing shared security objectives.
He also expressed appreciation to Donald Trump for his support and leadership in the operation.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” Tinubu said.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort.”
Tinubu further praised the professionalism and courage of the Nigerian and American personnel involved in the operation.
He assured Nigerians that efforts would continue to dismantle terrorist enclaves across the country.
“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 President added.
The Lake Chad Basin has remained a major hotspot for terrorist activities involving factions linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram.