President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a joint military operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces.
The president said he is looking forward “to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation”.
US President Donald Trump had earlier announced the operation and commended the Nigerian government for its cooperation.
In a statement released afterwards, Tinubu described the mission as a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism”.
According to the president, “several lieutenants” of the ISIS second-in-command were also killed during the operation.
He added that the “daring” mission dealt a “heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State”.
In the statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu praised the joint effort between both countries.
“Overnight, Nigeria and the United States recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” the statement read.
“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.”
Tinubu also applauded the military personnel involved in the operation for their “professionalism and courage”.
“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,” he said.