President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of ISIS leader, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a joint military operation carried out by Nigerian and United States troops in the Lake Chad Basin.
The confirmation came after US President Donald Trump earlier announced the successful operation and praised the Nigerian government for its cooperation in the counterterrorism mission.
In a follow-up statement,President Tinubu described the operation as a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” revealing that several top lieutenants of the ISIS second-in-command were also eliminated during the strike.
According to the Nigerian leader, the daring overnight mission dealt a “heavy blow” to the Islamic State network operating within the region.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu 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.”
The President disclosed that early intelligence assessments confirmed the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants during a precision strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the United States for its continued partnership in advancing mutual security objectives and commended President Trump for his leadership and support in the anti-terror 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 military personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage, while pledging continued offensives against terrorist enclaves across Nigeria.
“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,” Tinubu added
