President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the counterterrorism operation between the United States and Nigeria, which resulted in the killing of a leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in what U.S. President Donald Trump earlier described as a ‘meticulously planned and very complex mission’.
‘The Nigerian leader commended the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, adding that: ‘I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation’.
In his statement on Saturday morning, President Tinubu announced: ‘Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
‘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
‘Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort’.
