First Photo of Top ISWAP Commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki Killed In Joint Nigeria-U.S. Operation

Sources from security analyst Zagazola Makama have released what is believed to be the first publicly available photograph of senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki , also known as Abbor Mainok, following his reported death during a joint Nigeria-United States counterterrorism operation in Metele, Borno State.

The photograph, exclusively obtained by Zagazola Makama from sources familiar with the operation on Sunday, was taken shortly after the terrorist commander was neutralized. The intelligence-led military action successfully targeted senior ISWAP leadership within the volatile Lake Chad region.

Sources state that the image represents the first known photograph of al-Minuki since he joined the Boko Haram insurgency years ago. He subsequently rose through the ranks to become one of ISWAP’s most wanted and elusive commanders.

Security officials reported that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki remained invisible to intelligence agencies throughout his tenure, with no verified photographs existing despite his high-ranking position within the terrorist organization.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that fleeing fighters captured a photograph of al-Minuki after recovering his body for burial, providing definitive confirmation of his identity. This image offers rare insight into one of the insurgency’s most secretive figures