President Bola Tinubu has praised a joint counterterrorism operation by Nigerian and United States forces that reportedly killed a senior Islamic State commander in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the overnight operation led to the death of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants.
Tinubu said the mission was carried out by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the United States military as part of ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism in the region.
The president described the operation as a major example of successful international cooperation against extremist groups.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
The president said preliminary assessments showed that the strike targeted the terrorist leader’s compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the United States for supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign and strengthening shared security goals.
He specifically thanked Donald Trump for what he described as strong leadership and continued support for the operation.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” the president said.
Tinubu further praised military personnel from both countries for their courage and professionalism during the coordinated strike.
“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,” he added.
