President Bola Tinubu has commended the United States of America and the Nigerian security forces whose joint operation led to the elimination of wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside other , during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.

In a statement on Saturday titled “Counterterrorism Operation Against ISIS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki” signed by Mr Tinubu, he stated that overnight, Nigeria and the United States of America recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.

He said, “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.

“Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.”

Saying Nigeria appreciated the partnership with the United States of America in advancing the country’s shared security objectives, Mr Tinubu extended gratitude to Mr Trump for his leadership and unwavering support for the operation. 

Mr Tinubu stated, “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.”