President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation by Nigerian and United States troops.
US President Donald Trump had earlier announced the operation, while acknowledging the Nigerian government for its partnership.
In a subsequent statement, Tinubu described the operation as a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism”.
The Nigerian president said “several lieutenants” of the ISIS second-in-command were killed in the mission.
He added that the “daring” joint operation has dealt a “heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State”.
In the statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu also said he expects more “decisive strikes” against all terror enclaves in the country.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The Nigerian president also commended the military personnel involved on both sides for their “professionalism and courage”.
