COUNTERTERRORISM OPERATION AGAINST ISIS SENIOR LEADER, ABU-BILAL AL-MANUKI

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.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

Federal Republic of Nigeria

May 16, 2026