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Senior Islamic State leader Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki thought he could hide in Africa, but a joint US-Nigeria operation proved otherwise, President Donald Trump said on Saturday.
Trump announced on Truth Social that American and Nigerian forces had killed Al-Manuki, whom he identified as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
“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,” Trump wrote.
Operation ‘flawlessly executed’
Trump said he directed the operation, which involved “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria” who “flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission.”
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” Trump said.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.”
Nigeria confirms joint operation
President Bola Tinubu confirmed the joint operation in a State House statement on Saturday, saying Nigerian forces worked closely with US troops.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
Tinubu thanks Trump
Tinubu expressed gratitude for the partnership and commended the personnel involved on both sides.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” Tinubu said.
“I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.”
Trump also thanked the Nigerian government, writing, “Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation.”
