Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin, Prime Business Africa reports.
Tinubu disclosed the development in a statement issued from the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday, describing the operation as a major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
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According to the Nigerian leader, the operation was conducted overnight by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the United States and resulted in the elimination of the wanted Islamic State senior leader alongside several of his lieutenants.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu stated.
“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,” he added.
The president said early assessments confirmed that Al-Manuki and several senior members of his network were killed during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin, a region that has remained a major hotspot for insurgent and extremist activities in West Africa.
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Tinubu described the operation as a reflection of the growing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States in combating terrorism and violent extremism across the region.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” the president said.
He also thanked United States President Donald Trump for what he described as his leadership and support in the operation.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” Tinubu stated.
The Nigerian president further commended military personnel from both countries involved in the operation, praising their professionalism and courage.
“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 added.
The latest statement follows an earlier announcement by Trump, who disclosed that American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria had jointly carried out a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” that eliminated a senior ISIS commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
Security analysts say the operation could represent one of the most significant joint counterterrorism missions involving Nigeria and the United States in recent years, particularly given Al-Manuki’s reported role within ISIS’s international operational structure.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
