The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu-Bilal al-Mainuki, following a joint military operation reportedly carried out by United States special forces and Nigerian security personnel in the Lake Chad region.
According to reports, the operation targeted an ISWAP media and command facility located deep within the Lake Chad basin, an area long considered a strategic stronghold for the terrorist group.
ISWAP reportedly acknowledged the death through its official media channels, describing al-Mainuki and other fighters killed during the raid as “martyrs” — a rare public confirmation by the group.
The operation was said to involve precision airborne strikes supported by intelligence gathering, surveillance drones, and attack aircraft aimed at high-value ISIS-linked operatives operating within the region.
Reports indicate that ISWAP’s media headquarters was directly hit during the raid, resulting in the deaths of several members of the group’s media unit and foreign ISIS-affiliated fighters.
Security sources also suggested that the total number of casualties from the operation could be significantly higher, with estimates placing the death toll among fighters at over 100.
Security analysts believe the strike represents a major setback for ISWAP’s operational and propaganda network across the Lake Chad corridor, where the group has maintained influence for several years.
The development highlights ongoing regional and international efforts to weaken terrorist activities and insurgent networks operating in parts of northern Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.
