JUST IN: Tinubu confirms killing of ISIS deputy commander in Nigeria-US operation

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of ISIS leader, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki during a joint operation carried out by Nigerian and United States troops.

US President Donald Trump had earlier announced the operation and commended the Nigerian government for its cooperation.

In a follow-up statement, Tinubu described the mission as a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism”.

The Nigerian president also disclosed that “several lieutenants” of the ISIS second-in-command were killed during the operation.

He added that the ‘daring’ joint military effort has dealt a “heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State”.

He said “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,” he stated.