By Hamza Suleiman
Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, one of the senior leaders of the Islamic State, during a joint counter-terrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued from the State House on Saturday, Tinubu described the operation as a major example of effective international collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
The president said that the operation was conducted overnight by the Nigerian Armed Forces in close coordination with the United States Armed Forces.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The president said early assessments confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
Tinubu commended the partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing shared security objectives and expressed appreciation to Donald Trump for his leadership and support toward the operation.
“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,” he said.
The president also praised security personnel from both countries involved in the mission for their professionalism and courage.
He expressed optimism that the operation would pave the way for more decisive actions against terrorist enclaves across the country.
The operation is regarded as one of the most significant joint counter-terrorism missions involving Nigerian and U.S. forces in recent years against ISIS-linked elements operating within the Lake Chad region.
Security analysts believe the death of Al-Manuki could disrupt the operational coordination of Islamic State West Africa Province and weaken extremist activities across parts of the North-east and the wider Sahel region. (NAN)