United States President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday confirmed a major joint counterterrorism operation that led to the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a coordinated military strike in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement posted on his social media handle, Trump disclosed that American forces, working alongside the Nigerian Armed Forces, “flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission” that eliminated what he described as one of the world’s most active terrorists.
The U.S. President said Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, whom he identified as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, had attempted to hide in Africa but was successfully tracked through intelligence sources.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” Trump stated.
Trump also praised the Nigerian government for its partnership in the operation, saying: “Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
President Tinubu, in a separate statement issued from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, described the overnight operation as “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
According to the Nigerian leader, personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces worked closely with their U.S. counterparts in carrying out the daring operation, which he said dealt “a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.”
READ ALSO: Tinubu Confirms Killing Of ISIS Commander In Nigeria–US Operation
Tinubu said early assessments confirmed the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki and several of his lieutenants during a strike on the terrorist leader’s compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” Tinubu said, while extending gratitude to President Trump for his “leadership and unwavering support.”
The President also commended military personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage, expressing optimism that more coordinated offensives would be launched against terrorist enclaves operating within the region.
The Lake Chad Basin has remained a major hotspot for insurgent activities involving extremist groups linked to ISIS and Boko Haram, with regional and international security forces intensifying efforts in recent years to dismantle terror networks operating across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.