Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that a joint military operation between Nigeria and the United States led to the elimination of ISIS senior leader, Abu Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok. Tinubu disclosed this in a statement personally signed on Saturday, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the president highlighted the effective collaboration between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces in executing this daring operation. The joint effort resulted in a significant blow to the ranks of the Islamic State, as early assessments confirmed the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
President Tinubu expressed his appreciation to the United States for supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and for strengthening bilateral security cooperation between the two countries. He extended his gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and support in advancing shared security objectives.
The president also took the opportunity to commend the personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism and bravery. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts in tackling terrorism and violent extremism across the nation and expressed his anticipation for more decisive actions against terrorist enclaves in the future.