May 16, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the elimination of senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
Tinubu, in a statement personally signed on Saturday, described the operation as a major anti-terror breakthrough and a significant example of growing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the President, the overnight operation was executed by the Nigerian Armed Forces in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the United States, resulting in what he described as a “heavy blow” to the ranks of the Islamic State operating within the Lake Chad region and across West Africa.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
“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.
“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 stated.
The Nigerian leader said the successful operation underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational terrorist networks threatening peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel, and other parts of Africa.
The President expressed appreciation to the United States government for supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and strengthening bilateral security cooperation between both countries.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also commended military personnel involved in the mission for their professionalism, courage, and commitment to the ongoing war against terrorism.
“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.
THEWILL reports that United States President Donald Trump had earlier announced the operation, describing Al-Manuki as one of the most active terrorist commanders globally.
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