President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, in a joint military operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a personally signed statement on Saturday, May 16, Tinubu described the operation as “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism” between both countries.
He said Nigerian troops, working alongside United States forces, executed what he called “a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.”
According to 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.”
Tinubu said the success of the mission reinforces the security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, adding that he was grateful for the support received.
“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,” the statement read.
He also commended the military personnel involved, praising their courage and professionalism.
“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,” he said.
The operation comes amid intensified counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East and Lake Chad region, where Islamic State-affiliated groups have continued attacks on civilians and security forces.
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United States President Donald Trump also confirmed the strike, describing the target as a top-ranking terrorist figure.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He said Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, whom he described as “second in command of ISIS globally,” believed he could evade capture in Africa.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” he said.
Trump added that the militant, previously sanctioned by the United States in 2023, would no longer pose a threat.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” he said.
He further noted that the operation significantly weakened the group’s global network, while thanking Nigeria for its cooperation.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” he said.
The development highlights growing defence collaboration between Nigeria and the United States as both countries intensify efforts to dismantle extremist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.