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 involving Nigerian and United States forces.
According to the President, the overnight operation was carried out in the Lake Chad Basin, a region long troubled by terrorist activities linked to ISIS and Boko Haram factions.
Tinubu disclosed that the operation targeted the terrorist leader’s compound and led to the elimination of several of his lieutenants alongside him.
“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,” the President stated.
The Nigerian leader described the mission as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism and praised the security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for supporting the operation.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” Tinubu said, while commending the bravery and professionalism of both Nigerian and American personnel involved in the mission.
The President further assured Nigerians that more aggressive operations would continue against terrorist hideouts across the country.
“I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation,” he added.
Reports indicate that Al-Manuki was regarded as one of ISIS’ most senior global figures and had been under U.S. sanctions since 2023 over his activities in West Africa.
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