President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a joint military operation by Nigerian and US troops in the Lake Chad Basin
Tinubu Confirms ISIS Leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki Killed in Joint Nigeria-US Operation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the killing of notorious ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a coordinated counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin, describing the mission as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism.
The confirmation followed an earlier announcement by Donald Trump, who disclosed the success of the joint operation and commended Nigeria for its cooperation in the high-profile military strike targeting Islamic State operatives in the region.
In a statement released after the operation, President Tinubu said the overnight mission dealt a “heavy blow” to the Islamic State network operating within the Lake Chad axis, revealing that several top lieutenants linked to the terrorist group’s second-in-command were also eliminated during the precision assault.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu stated.
“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.”
According to the President, preliminary intelligence assessments confirmed that the wanted IS senior commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, was killed alongside several of his loyal fighters during the strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
The successful operation marks one of the most significant joint offensives against extremist elements in the region in recent times and underscores renewed military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in tackling insurgency and transnational terrorism.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to the United States government for its continued partnership in strengthening regional security and acknowledged President Trump’s role in supporting the anti-terror campaign.
“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,” the Nigerian leader said.
The President also praised military personnel from both countries for what he described as exceptional professionalism, bravery, and commitment during the dangerous operation, while reaffirming his administration’s resolve to intensify military offensives against terrorist strongholds across Nigeria.
“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,” Tinubu added.
The Lake Chad Basin has remained a major hotspot for insurgent activities involving ISIS-linked factions and other terrorist groups operating across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, prompting sustained multinational military operations aimed at restoring security and stability in the region.
