President Bola Tinubu has officially confirmed the elimination of a top ISIS commander, identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, following a successful joint military operation between United States and Nigerian forces.
In a formal statement signed personally by the President on Saturday, Tinubu revealed that the high-stakes tactical operation was successfully achieved “overnight”.
The official confirmation from the presidency follows an earlier announcement made late Friday by United States President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.
Trump disclosed that al-Minuki, whom he described as the global second-in-command of the terrorist group, had been neutralized.
According to the US leader, the offensive was executed flawlessly by “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” removing what he termed “the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.”
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Trump revealed that the high-ranking ISIS leader had been using Africa as a safe haven to coordinate various international terrorist operations.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump wrote.
The US President further added that the deceased ISIS commander “will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” emphasizing that the surgical strike has severely crippled the terror network’s leadership infrastructure.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” Trump noted, before extending his appreciation to local authorities. “Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Reacting to the successful battlefield outcome, President Tinubu described the joint military feat as a prime example of what international cooperation can achieve in eradicating global 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,” Tinubu stated.
Providing specific geographical context to the overnight operation, the Nigerian President shared key operational details regarding where the strike took place.
“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”, Tinubu revealed.
Expressing his deep appreciation for the strategic security partnership with Washington, the President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating terror cells within its borders.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort.”
Tinubu concluded his statement by praising the tactical teams from both nations: “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.”
