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President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria looks forward to “more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves” following a joint operation with United States forces that killed a senior Islamic State leader in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued from Aso Villa on Saturday, the President confirmed the elimination of wanted IS senior leader Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants.
“I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu described the overnight operation as “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,” he 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 expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the partnership with the United States in advancing shared security objectives.
“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,” he said.
He also commended personnel involved on both sides.
“I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage,” Tinubu added.
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…
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) May 16, 2026
