Nigeria's Presidency have confirmed that its armed forces, working with the United States military, have killed a senior Islamic State leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, in a joint counterterrorism operation in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Presidency said the overnight strike targeted a compound belonging to the militant leader and resulted in the death of Al-Manuki and several of his lieutenants.
Describing the operation as a major success, President Bola Tinubu said it showed strong cooperation between both countries in the fight against terrorism.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu 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.”
According to early military assessments cited by the Presidency, “the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants” was confirmed during the strike.
The operation took place in the Lake Chad Basin, a region that has long been a hotspot for extremist activity involving Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked groups.
Tinubu praised the partnership between both countries and expressed appreciation to the US government.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” he said.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort.”
He also commended the troops involved in the mission.
“I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage,” the President said, adding that he expects “more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.”
The Presidency said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist networks operating in northern Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region, where security forces continue counterinsurgency operations.
Authorities did not immediately release further operational details or confirm the exact timing of the strike beyond “overnight.”
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