The Nigerian president says the successful operation marks a major victory against terrorism in the Lake Chad region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially confirmed the killing of notorious Islamic State leader Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a coordinated military operation involving Nigerian and United States forces.
According to reports, the high-profile operation was carried out in the Lake Chad Basin, a region long plagued by insurgency and terrorist activities linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Tinubu described the development as a “significant counter-terrorism success” and praised the cooperation between both countries.
The president’s statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump publicly disclosed details of the mission, claiming the ISIS commander was among the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Trump said intelligence sources had tracked the militant leader’s movements before the final operation was launched.
Security experts believe the death of Abu-Mainok could deal a serious blow to extremist networks operating across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The terror figure had reportedly played a major role in financing and coordinating attacks within the region while maintaining links with broader ISIS operations internationally.
For years, communities around the Lake Chad Basin have suffered deadly attacks, mass displacement, kidnappings and destruction caused by insurgent groups. The latest operation is expected to boost morale among security agencies and civilians who have endured years of violence.
Despite the breakthrough, analysts warn that terrorist cells may attempt retaliatory attacks, urging Nigerian authorities to sustain aggressive intelligence gathering and military pressure across troubled regions.