Zagazola Obtains First-Ever Photo of ISWAP Commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki After Joint Nigeria-U.S. Operation
By Zagazola Makama
Sources have released what is believed to be the first publicly available photograph of a 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, obtained exclusively by Zagazola Makama from sources familiar with the operation on Sunday was reportedly taken shortly after the terrorist commander was neutralised during an intelligence-led military action targeting senior ISWAP leadership in the Lake Chad region.
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Sources said the image represents the first known photograph of al-Minuki since he joined the Boko Haram insurgency years ago and rose through the ranks to become one of ISWAP’s most wanted and elusive commanders.
According to security officials, al-Minuki had remained largely invisible to security agencies and the public throughout his years within the insurgency, with no verified photographs of him previously available despite his prominence within the terrorist organisation.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the image was taken by fighters who recovered the body and bury him two days after.
The photograph is expected to provide further confirmation of the identity of the slain commander and offer rare insight into one of the insurgency’s most secretive figures.