Tinubu Confirms Killing Of ISIS Leader Al-Manuki In US-Nigeria Operation

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that a senior commander of Islamic State, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, has been killed during a joint military operation by Nigeria and the United States.

His confirmation followed an earlier announcement by President Donald Trump, who revealed on Friday that the ISIS leader was killed in US-Nigeria joint operation.

According to him, al-Minuki had been operating from a hideout in Africa while coordinating terrorist activities.

Trump added that intelligence sources had been tracking al-Minuki, whom he described as “ISIS second-in-command globally” and the “most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.”

In a statement on Saturday, Tinubu said the mission was carried out overnight and described it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.

Tinubu described the operation as a strong example of international collaboration against terrorism.

He praised both Nigerian and American forces for their efforts and professionalism, and expressed appreciation to Trump for his support.

The statement read: “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.

“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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that President Donald Trump previously revealed that the U.S worked with the Nigerian government to carry out air strikes against ISIS militants in Sokoto on Christmas Day.