By Oluwakemi Kindness
President Bola Tinubu has praised the joint operation by Nigerian and United States forces that killed wanted ISIS commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, describing it as a major blow against terrorism.
Tinubu, in a statement on Saturday, says he expects “more decisive strikes” against terrorist enclaves across Nigeria following the operation in the Lake Chad Basin.
“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,” the President said.
According to him, early assessments confirmed the killing of Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants during the strike.
Tinubu also thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting the mission.
“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,” he added.
US President, Donald Trump had earlier announced the development on Friday via Truth Social, describing Al-Manuki as ISIS’ second-in-command globally.
The US President said the operation, carried out by American and Nigerian forces, eliminated “the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.”
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters also confirmed the killing on Saturday, describing Al-Manuki as a “wanted global terrorist.”
