By BONIFACE AKARAH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu this Saturday morning, May 16, 2026, released some details about the elimination of a wanted deputy leader of the Islamic State (ISIS), Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin. He spoke via a statement issued from Aso Villa, Abuja, shortly after US President Donald Trump broke the news in a social media post.

Tinubu described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and a strong example of growing military collaboration between both countries.

According to the Nigerian leader, the operation, conducted overnight by the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the United States Armed Forces, targeted the ISIS leader’s compound and resulted in his killing 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,” Tinubu said.

The President described the mission as a “daring joint operation” that dealt a significant blow to the ranks of the Islamic State and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained military offensives against terrorist groups operating across the country.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the United States government for supporting Nigeria’s security efforts, singling out President Donald Trump for commendation.

“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,” the President stated.

He further praised military personnel from both countries for what he called their professionalism and courage during the operation.

“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 added.

The Lake Chad Basin has remained one of the major theatres of insurgency operations in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, with terrorist groups including ISIS-linked factions maintaining camps in remote areas despite intensified military offensives in recent years.

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