President Bola Tinubu on Saturday confirmed the elimination of wanted ISIS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuk, in a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States armed forces.
The President disclosed that the operation, carried out in the Lake Chad Basin, also led to the killing of several of Al-Manuk’s lieutenants during a coordinated strike on his compound.
Tinubu, in a statement titled “Counterterrorism Operation Against ISIS Senior Leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuk,” described the operation as a major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
He said the development reflects growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in tackling terrorist threats within the region.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” the President stated.
“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 Tinubu, early operational assessments confirmed the elimination of the wanted ISIS commander, also known as Abu-Mainok.
“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,” he said.
The President commended the professionalism and courage displayed by both Nigerian and American troops involved in the mission.
He also expressed appreciation to former United States President Donald Trump for what he described as unwavering support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
“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 stated.
He added that the successful operation reinforces the need for sustained military pressure against terrorist groups operating within Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.
“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 operational zone for terrorist groups linked to ISIS and Boko Haram, with Nigerian troops and regional forces intensifying operations against insurgents in recent months.
Deji Elumoye
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