Tinubu Confirms Death of ISIS Leader Abu Bilal Al‑Manuk in Joint Nigeria‑US Operation

With Al‑Manuk’s killing in Lake Chad, he expects more decisive strikes against all terrorist camps nationwide

Thanks President Trump for his unwavering support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

On Saturday, President Bola Tinubu announced that Nigerian and U.S. forces had eliminated the sought‑after ISIS senior leader Abu‑Bilal Al‑Manuk in a joint operation.

In a statement, he said that the neutralization of Al‑Manuk at his compound in the Lake Chad Basin would allow for further decisive actions against terrorist camps across the country.

He praised the bravery of both militaries and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his steadfast support of Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts.

The President’s five‑paragraph release, titled “Counterterrorism Operation Against ISIS senior leader, Abu‑Bilal Al‑Manuk,” included the following remarks:

“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.”