First Photo Of Slain ISWAP Commander Al-Minuki Emerges After US-Nigeria Joint Operation

A photograph believed to be the first publicly available image of senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abbor Mainok, has emerged following his reported death in a joint Nigeria-United States counterterrorism operation in Borno State.

Naija News reports that the image was obtained by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, from sources familiar with the operation.

According to sources, the photograph was reportedly taken shortly after al-Minuki was neutralised during an intelligence-led operation targeting senior ISWAP leaders in the Lake Chad region.

The operation was said to have taken place around Metele in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagagola Makama that the image is believed to be the first verified photograph of al-Minuki since he joined the Boko Haram insurgency and later rose through the ISWAP ranks.

They said the commander had remained largely hidden from both security agencies and the public despite his prominence in the terrorist group.

Intelligence sources said that the photograph was taken by fighters who recovered and buried the body two days after the operation.

The image is expected to provide further confirmation of the slain commander’s identity and offer rare insight into one of ISWAP’s most secretive figures.