President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the elimination of senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, following a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
The operation is being described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. According to a statement issued by the President on Saturday, the overnight operation involved close collaboration between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces and targeted Al-Manuki’s compound, where he and several of his lieutenants were reportedly killed.
Tinubu described the operation as a “daring joint mission” that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State, noting that early assessments had confirmed the success of the strike. The President commended the growing partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing shared security objectives, stressing that collaborative efforts remain critical in addressing terrorism and violent extremism.
He also expressed appreciation to US President Donald Trump for what he called his leadership and support in the fight against terrorism. Tinubu thanked personnel from both countries involved in the operation for 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,” the President said.
The development followed similar confirmation from President Trump, who announced that Al-Manuki—described as one of the world’s most active terrorists and ISIS’s second-in-command globally—had been eliminated during a complex and carefully coordinated mission.
Security analysts see the operation as a significant setback for ISIS-linked activities across West Africa, particularly within the Lake Chad region, which has long served as a hotspot for insurgent operations.
The latest operation underscores renewed international cooperation in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security across affected communities.
