Nigeria confirms killing of senior Daesh terrorist

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and the country’s military have confirmed the killing of a senior Daesh terrorist leader, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint operation with US forces.

Tinubu said in a statement on Saturday that Nigerian and US forces conducted the operation. US President Donald Trump first announced the killing on Friday.

Tinubu quoted: “Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joint operation.” He said the operation dealt a heavy blow to the terrorist group.

The Nigerian defence forces described al-Minuki as a senior Daesh leader and one of the world’s most active terrorists. Trump said the killed figure was Daesh’s second-in-command worldwide.

Al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, was killed along with several of his lieutenants during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin, Tinubu said.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters said al-Minuki was an operational and strategic figure who guided Daesh outside Nigeria on media operations, economic warfare and the development of weapons, explosives and drones.

Nigeria is battling terrorist groups, including regional offshoots of Daesh and Boko Haram. The US has recently deployed hundreds of troops to Nigeria to support and train its forces.

SOURCE: MRA