BREAKING: Tinubu confirms killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki in Nigeria-US operation

President Bola Tinubu says Nigerian and United States forces have carried out a joint counterterrorism operation that led to the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, in the Lake Chad Basin.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Tinubu said the operation was conducted overnight by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the United States Armed Forces as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.

The President said the operation resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants during a strike on his compound.

“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” the statement read.

“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 said early intelligence assessments confirmed the death of the wanted ISIS leader during the operation in the Lake Chad Basin.

“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 stated.

The President expressed appreciation to the United States for its support in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts and commended personnel involved in 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,” Tinubu said.