By Erewunmi Peace

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified reports surrounding the identity of an ISWAP commander known as Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, following recent counter-terrorism operations involving Nigerian and foreign security forces.

The clarification came after confusion emerged online over earlier reports from 2024 which claimed that a commander bearing the same name had previously been killed.

According to the military authorities, the individual neutralised in the latest operation is not the same person earlier referenced in past reports.

The DHQ explained that terrorist groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram often use aliases and similar operational names, making identification challenging in some cases.

Military officials stated that the identity of the recently killed commander was confirmed through intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and multiple verification processes.

The clarification followed international attention on the joint operation involving Nigerian security forces and international partners in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Authorities maintained that the operation was successful and formed part of broader strategies aimed at weakening extremist activities in the North-East.

Security agencies also reiterated their commitment to sustained counter-terrorism operations across affected regions of the country.