By Peter Omopo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces which reportedly led to the killing of a senior Islamic State leader in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the President described the overnight operation as a major demonstration of effective international collaboration in the fight against terrorism.
According to the statement, personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside their United States counterparts, carried out a coordinated strike on a compound linked to the militant commander identified as Abu-Bilal al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok.
Preliminary assessments indicated that the operation resulted in the elimination of al-Manuki and several of his lieutenants, dealing what the President described as a significant blow to the extremist group’s operations in the region.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to former United States President Donald Trump for his leadership and support, noting that cooperation between Nigeria and the United States remained vital in advancing shared security goals.
He also praised members of the Nigerian and United States Armed Forces for their professionalism, bravery and commitment during the operation.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain decisive military offensives against terrorist groups and criminal enclaves across the country as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.
