ISWAP confirms death of senior commander in Joint U.S.–Nigeria operation 

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, following a joint counterterrorism operation by Nigerian and United States forces in Borno State.

In a statement circulated through channels linked to the group, ISWAP acknowledged that the commander was killed during what it described as a “precision strike” in the Lake Chad Basin region, marking a rare public admission of the loss of a high-ranking figure within its hierarchy.

The confirmation comes days after Nigerian and U.S. security authorities announced the outcome of a six-month intelligence-led operation targeting the militant leader, who was alleged to have played a key role in logistics and financial coordination within ISWAP.

Security officials said the operation involved sustained aerial surveillance by United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) alongside ground intelligence and tactical support from Nigerian forces, culminating in a targeted strike on a suspected insurgent hideout in Borno State.

ISWAP’s acknowledgment of the commander’s death is seen as a significant development, given the group’s history of delayed or selective confirmation of leadership losses.

Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, originally from the Mainok area west of Maiduguri, was widely regarded by counterterrorism analysts as a senior operational figure within the faction, which emerged from the split within Boko Haram.

He was believed to have overseen aspects of logistics and funding networks across parts of the Lake Chad region, supporting the group’s wider insurgency activities in northeastern Nigeria.

While ISWAP confirmed the death, the group did not provide details on the circumstances of the strike or the extent of additional casualties.

Security analysts caution that although the removal of senior commanders can disrupt operational coordination, ISWAP and other extremist factions linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram maintain decentralized structures that allow continued activity despite leadership losses.

Nigerian authorities say follow-up operations are ongoing across the Lake Chad Basin as part of broader efforts to degrade insurgent capabilities and prevent regrouping in the region.