President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a top Islamic State (ISIS) commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Manuki in a fresh joint operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces. In a statement personally signed by him and released on Saturday, May 16, President Tinubu revealed that the operation was achieved overnight.
Details of the Operation
According to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the US military, executed a daring joint operation that dealt a significant blow to the ranks of the Islamic State. Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted ISIS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants. The strike targeted his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
Presidential Remarks
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the partnership with the United States in advancing shared security objectives. He extended sincere thanks to President Donald Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort. Tinubu commended the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and he looked forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.
US Confirmation
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump announced that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the terrorist group's second-in-command globally, had been eliminated. According to Trump, the operation was executed by brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria and successfully removed what he termed the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.
