President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the joint counterterrorism operation by the United States and Nigerian forces leading to the extermination of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuk in Sokoto State.
In a statement Saturday, President Tinubu described the successful operation as a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
“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 heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State,” President Tinubu said.
According to Nigerian leader, early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted ISIS senior leader, Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
“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.
“I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation,” Tinubu added.
United States President Donald Trump also claimed the airstrikes operation against what he described as “Islamic State militants’ scum” in Nigeria had “greatly diminished” the militant group’s power.
The US Africa Command also confirmed the strikes were carried out “in coordination with Nigerian authorities” in Sokoto State.
