The Nigerian Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the elimination of the senior commander of a terrorist group with the name Islamic State, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants during a joint counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a personally signed statement, the President on Saturday hailed the successful operation executed by Nigerian and United States forces, describing it as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
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A Major Blow
President Tinubu said the daring overnight strike was executed through close coordination between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the United States, noting that the operation dealt a major blow to the ranks of the Islamic State operating within the region.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
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.
“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.
Security Goals
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the United States for its continued partnership in advancing shared security goals, while specifically commending President Donald Trump for his leadership and steadfast support towards 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 explained.
The President also applauded the military personnel involved from both countries for their professionalism, bravery and commitment, expressing optimism that more decisive offensives would be launched 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.” President Tinubu stated.
The Lake Chad Basin has remained one of the major theatres of insurgency and counterterrorism operations in West Africa, with regional and international security cooperation increasingly playing a crucial role in efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating within the area.
