May 16, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, in a coordinated military operation involving Nigerian forces and the United States Armed Forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement personally signed on Saturday, President Tinubu described the operation as a “major breakthrough” in the global fight against terrorism, praising it as a clear demonstration of strengthened security cooperation between both nations.
According to the President, the joint forces executed a precision strike on a terrorist enclave in the Lake Chad region, leading to the elimination of the high-profile ISIS leader alongside several of his associates.
“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 the operation,” Tinubu stated.
He commended the professionalism and bravery of the troops involved and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to intensifying operations against terrorist groups operating in the North-East and Lake Chad Basin.
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to U.S. President for supporting the joint mission, describing the partnership as vital to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
In a separate statement on Truth Social, Trump confirmed the operation, describing the target as one of the most dangerous terrorist figures globally. He claimed the commander had long been under U.S. sanctions and was believed to be a key figure within ISIS’s international network.
“Tonight, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria executed a complex mission to eliminate a major terrorist threat,” Trump said.
He added that the operation would significantly disrupt ISIS activities across Africa and beyond.
The Lake Chad Basin has remained a hotspot for extremist activity, with ISIS-linked factions continuing to launch attacks on military and civilian targets. Security analysts say this joint operation marks one of the most significant coordinated strikes in the region in recent times.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow developments as military pressure on terrorist enclaves intensifies across West Africa.
