The United States and Nigerian forces carried out a joint military operation on Friday night that killed senior Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and other ISIS leaders in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the elimination of the wanted ISIS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, who was also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants. He also hailed the joint military operation, calling it a “significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that the elimination of top ISIS leaders in Nigeria will help protect Christians in the country. Mr Hegseth noted that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was the senior ISIS General Directorate of Provinces Emir, the number two for ISIS globally, responsible for overseeing the planning of attacks, directing hostage-taking and managing financial operations.