Tinubu speaks on killing of senior ISIS leader by US, Nigerian forces, hails Trump

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that Nigerian and United States’ forces conducted a joint operation which led to the killing of wanted IS senior Islamic State leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok and many of his loyalists in the Lake Chad Basin

U.S President Donald Trump had in a post published on his social media platforms early Saturday morning confirmed the elimination of the wanted IS leader by in airstrikes by Nigerian and U.S forces.

President Tinubu confirmed the killing of the IS leader and his lieutenants in a statement he personally signed early Saturday morning.

The Nigerian President said elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants was confirmed in early assessments of the impact of the operation.

He also confirmed that strike was on the compound of the wanted IS leader in the Lake Chad Basin.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation of the Nigerian government for the partnership in the war against terror.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” the Nigerian President said while expressing his optimism for more of such joint operations against terrorists troubling the country.

“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.”

The statement by President Tinubu reads: 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.

“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

“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.”