Presidential Praise for Joint Counterterrorism Operation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the successful joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces against an Islamic State hideout in the Lake Chad Basin. The overnight raid resulted in the elimination of a wanted senior Islamic State leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants.
In a State House statement released on Saturday by his aide, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu confirmed that the operation was carried out by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the United States Armed Forces as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu said. “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 noted that early assessments confirmed the strike targeted the terrorist leader’s compound in the Lake Chad Basin. He expressed appreciation to the United States for supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts and advancing shared security objectives.
Tinubu also thanked former President Donald Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in the operation, stating, “I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort.” He further commended military personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage during the operation.
“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.
