A coordinated military operation involving Nigerian and American forces has led to the killing of a senior Islamic State commander identified as Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, according to statements released by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Donald Trump.
The overnight strike, carried out in the Lake Chad Basin, was described by both leaders as a major success in ongoing counterterrorism efforts targeting extremist groups operating across West Africa.
President Tinubu said the operation demonstrated the growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, praising the professionalism and courage displayed by troops involved in the mission.
According to the Nigerian leader, early intelligence assessments confirmed that Al-Manuki and several of his close lieutenants were eliminated during a targeted strike on the terrorist commander’s compound.
Tinubu added that the mission represented a significant blow to the operational structure of the Islamic State network active in the region and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to intensifying military pressure on terrorist enclaves across the country.
The President also expressed appreciation to the United States government and President Trump for continued support in advancing joint security objectives between both nations.
In a separate statement, President Trump said American forces worked alongside the Nigerian Armed Forces in what he described as a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” aimed at removing one of the world’s most active terrorists from the battlefield.
Trump identified Abu-Bilal al-Minuki as the second-in-command figure within ISIS operations linked to the region, stating that the operation was executed “flawlessly” under his directive.
Security analysts say the Lake Chad Basin remains a strategic hotspot for insurgent activities involving factions linked to the Islamic State and Boko Haram.
The region, which borders Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has witnessed years of militant attacks, military offensives, and multinational counterterrorism campaigns.
The latest operation is expected to strengthen intelligence-sharing and military coordination between Nigeria and the United States as both countries continue efforts to dismantle extremist networks threatening regional stability.
