By Desire Emmanuel
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday morning confirmed the killing of the second in command of the Islamic State (IS) by the US-Nigerian joint forces, saying he looks forward to more decisive strikes against terrorists enclaves across the nation.
Tinubu said this in a statement posted on his X handle, saying he extends his sincere gratitude to President Donald Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort.
Trump had earlier announced on Friday night that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a high-ranking member of the “Islamic State,” was killed in a joint mission between US and Nigerian forces.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS…” Trump wrote.
Tinubu, while speaking on the matter, said the IS second in command, along with several of his lieutenants, were killed during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
He wrote: “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.”
