Tinubu Confirms Killing of ISIS Commander in Joint US-Nigeria Operation

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint military operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces.

In a statement personally signed by the President and released on Saturday, May 16, Tinubu said the operation took place overnight and delivered a major blow to the Islamic State network operating around the Lake Chad Basin.

According to the President, Nigerian troops worked closely with the United States Armed Forces to carry out the operation, which targeted the terrorist leader’s compound.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He added that early assessments confirmed the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki alongside several of his lieutenants.

“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,” the statement read.

President Tinubu praised the partnership between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as important in advancing shared security goals.

He also thanked US President Donald Trump for his support and commended the military personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.

“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 said.

Earlier, President Trump had announced that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as ISIS’s second-in-command globally, had been killed in Nigeria.

Trump said the operation was carried out by “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria” and described al-Minuki as one of the most active terrorists in the world.