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

Security sources said the image was obtained after an intelligence-led operation targeting senior ISWAP leaders in Metele, a community in the Lake Chad region of Borno State.

The operation reportedly resulted in the death of al-Minuki, one of the insurgent group’s most prominent commanders.

According to the sources, the photograph was taken shortly after the operation and is believed to be the first verified image of the commander since he joined the Boko Haram insurgency years ago before rising through the ranks of ISWAP.

Officials familiar with the matter said al-Minuki had remained largely out of public view throughout his years within the insurgency, with no previously confirmed photographs available despite his status as a key figure within the terrorist organisation.

Intelligence sources further stated that the image was taken by individuals who reportedly recovered and buried his body two days after the operation.

Security officials said the photograph could assist in further confirming the identity of the slain commander and provide rare visual documentation of a figure who had long remained one of the insurgency’s most elusive leaders.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the photograph, while details surrounding the operation continue to emerge.