Malik Yahya/
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed a joint counterterrorism operation by Nigerian and United States forces that killed notorious Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a coordinated strike in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a State House statement issued on Saturday, Tinubu described the overnight operation as a “significant example of effective collaboration” between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States military.
According to the President, the coordinated strike targeted the terrorist leader’s compound in the Lake Chad Basin, a notorious enclave for extremist activities in the region. Early assessments, he said, confirmed the killing of Abu-Mainok alongside several of his lieutenants.
Tinubu said the operation dealt “a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State,” underscoring the growing intelligence and operational cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in combating insurgency and cross-border terrorism.
The President praised the professionalism and bravery of personnel involved in the mission, noting that the successful operation reflected the determination of both countries to dismantle terrorist networks threatening regional stability.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
He also expressed appreciation to Donald Trump for what he described as “leadership and unwavering support” in advancing shared security objectives between both nations.
The Lake Chad Basin, spanning parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, has long served as a stronghold for insurgent groups linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram, with security forces intensifying military offensives in recent months to reclaim territories and disrupt terror cells.
Security analysts believe the elimination of a high-ranking IS commander could weaken the operational structure of extremist groups operating within the region, although authorities are expected to sustain pressure to prevent retaliatory attacks and regrouping by surviving fighters.
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