President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that a senior leader of the Islamic State group was killed in Nigeria during a joint counter‑terrorism operation conducted by Nigerian forces and the United States military. In a statement issued from Abuja, he described the overnight mission as a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
Tinubu said the operation targeted a compound in the Lake Chad Basin that intelligence services had identified as a base used by ISIS figures to plan and coordinate attacks. “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 noted.
Early assessments, according to the president, confirm the elimination of Abu‑Bilal Al‑Manuki, also known as Abu‑Mainok, who has been described by US officials as a global deputy commander and one of ISIS’ most wanted senior leaders. Several of his lieutenants were also reported killed in the strike.
Tinubu’s confirmation came hours after US President Donald Trump announced that American and Nigerian forces had jointly taken out the ISIS figure, whom he portrayed as the group’s number two worldwide. Trump said the raid was “meticulously planned” and significantly degraded the terror organisation’s ability to coordinate attacks in Africa and beyond.
The Nigerian leader thanked the US government for its support and commended troops from both countries for their courage and professionalism. He vowed that Nigeria would deepen intelligence‑sharing and joint operations with international partners to “hunt down and eliminate” remaining terrorist leaders threatening the Lake Chad region and the wider Sahel.
Tinubu also reassured Nigerians that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and stabilising communities long affected by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other extremist groups. He said the latest success should boost public confidence that “terror will never prevail over the will of a united and determined people.”
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