President Bola Tinubu says the joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces dealt a major blow to the Islamic State (ISIS).
In a statement issued on Saturday, Tinubu confirmed that the operation led to the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, described as a senior ISIS commander.
Earlier, Donald Trump had announced in a post on Truth Social that a joint operation between American and Nigerian forces eliminated the ISIS leader, whom he described as the group’s second-in-command globally.
Reacting to the development, Tinubu said the operation demonstrated effective security cooperation between both countries.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” the statement read.
According to the president, Nigerian troops worked closely with the US military during the operation.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu added that preliminary intelligence confirmed the elimination of Al-Manuki and several of his associates during a strike on their hideout 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,” he said.
The president thanked the United States for its partnership in advancing shared security goals.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Trump for his support and leadership.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” he added.
The Nigerian leader commended military personnel involved in the operation and pledged continued offensives against terrorist groups across the country.
“I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation,” he said.