The Nigerian Government has confirmed a joint counterterrorism operation with the United States that led to the killing of senior Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok.
In a statement by President Bola Tinubu on Saturday via his X handle, he described the operation as a major success in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu added that the Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside US troops, carried out what he described as a daring joint strike that inflicted “a heavy blow” on the Islamic State network.
“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.”
According to the statement, early intelligence assessments confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki and several of his lieutenants during an operation targeting his compound 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.”
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the US for its support and collaboration in advancing shared security objectives, commended military personnel involved in the operation and expressed optimism about future offensives against terrorist groups.
“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. 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,” president Tinubu added.
In February, reports indicated that the US requested the establishment of a drone refuelling facility in Nigeria as part of broader security arrangements between both countries.
The partnership deepened in March after the US deployed MQ-9 drones and about 200 military personnel to Nigeria to support intelligence operations and provide training for Nigerian troops battling Islamist insurgents.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters had said the deployment would strengthen intelligence-sharing and joint military engagements against terrorist groups operating across the region.