Tinubu speaks about ISIS Commander killed in Lake Chad
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin. In a statement issued from Aso Villa, Tinubu described the operation as a major success in the […]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued from Aso Villa, Tinubu described the operation as a major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism and a strong example of effective security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
According to the president, the overnight operation was jointly executed by the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the United States, resulting in the elimination of Al-Manuki alongside several of his lieutenants during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad region.
Tinubu said the operation dealt “a heavy blow” to the ranks of the Islamic State and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating within and around the country.
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“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 stated.
“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.”
The president expressed appreciation to the United States for its support in advancing shared security objectives, while specifically thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for his leadership and cooperation.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also commended military personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage during the operation, expressing optimism that more decisive actions would be carried out against terrorist enclaves across the nation.
The Lake Chad Basin has remained a major hotspot for extremist activities involving Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with security forces from Nigeria and neighbouring countries intensifying operations in the region in recent years.
Although further operational details were not disclosed, the development marks one of the most significant reported blows against ISIS-linked networks in West Africa in recent times.