Nigeria, US Forces Eliminate ISIS Senior Leader Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki In Joint Operation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the successful elimination of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to the President, the overnight operation was carried out through close collaboration between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the United States, targeting the terrorist leader’s compound in a coordinated strike.
Early assessments from the operation confirmed that Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki and several of his lieutenants were killed during the raid, dealing what the Nigerian government described as a “heavy blow” to the ranks of the Islamic State operating within the region.
Tinubu praised the partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing shared security objectives and combating terrorism across West Africa and the Lake Chad region.
The President also expressed appreciation to Donald Trump for his “leadership and unwavering support” in the counterterrorism effort.
He further commended military personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage during the operation, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to intensifying military offensives against terrorist enclaves nationwide.
The Lake Chad Basin has remained a major hotspot for insurgent activities involving extremist groups linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram, with regional forces continuing coordinated operations to restore security in affected communities.
