The Nigerian and United States armed forces have carried out a joint counterterrorism operation that led to the elimination of senior ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued from the State House on Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the overnight operation was conducted by the Nigerian Armed Forces working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States.
According to the statement, early assessments confirmed that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and several of his lieutenants were killed during a strike on his compound.
Tinubu described the operation as “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
“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 president said.
He also commended personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage, expressing hope for “more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also confirmed the operation in a post on Truth Social.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.”
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.”
“Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” Trump added.
