By Ismail Azeez
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the successful elimination of a senior Islamic State (IS) commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok.
The commander was killed during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a State House statement issued from Aso Villa, Abuja, on Saturday, Tinubu described the overnight operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
According to the statement, “Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.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.”
“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. 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 President further commended the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage.