By Dennis Okechukwu
Tinubu Commends Joint Nigeria-U.S. Counterterrorism Operation Against ISIS Leader Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the successful joint counterterrorism operation carried out by the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the United States, which led to the elimination of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok.
In a statement on Saturday, he said the overnight operation marked another major milestone in the growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism.
Early assessments from the operation confirmed that Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, a wanted senior ISIS leader, and several of his lieutenants were killed during a coordinated strike on their compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States for its partnership and support in advancing shared security objectives. He also conveyed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his leadership and commitment to the collaboration.
The President commended the military personnel from both countries for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication in executing the operation successfully.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining decisive military offensives against terrorist groups and dismantling all terror enclaves threatening the peace and stability of the nation.