Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint counterterrorism operation carried out overnight by Nigerian and American forces.
In a statement issued on Saturday, President Tinubu described the mission as a major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism and praised the close collaboration between the two countries’ armed forces.
The confirmation followed an announcement by Donald Trump, who disclosed on Friday via his Truth Social platform that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki — described as ISIS’s second-in-command globally — had been killed during the operation.
According to Trump, the mission was conducted by “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria” and succeeded in removing what he called “the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.” He stated that al-Minuki had been hiding in Africa while coordinating terrorist activities linked to the Islamic State group.
“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.
He added that the ISIS leader “will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” noting that the operation had dealt a significant blow to the terrorist group’s global network.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” Trump said, while also thanking the Nigerian government for its cooperation.
“Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” he added.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu described the operation as a strong example of effective international cooperation 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,” Tinubu said.
He added that preliminary assessments confirmed the killing of the wanted IS leader, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants during an airstrike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
“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 President stated.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the United States for its support in advancing shared security objectives.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” he said.
The Nigerian leader further commended personnel involved in the mission for their professionalism and bravery, while pledging continued action against terrorist groups operating across the country.
“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.
