According to the DHQ, the recurrence of such names among insurgent groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East and across the Lake Chad Basin is not unusual.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja has issued a clarification following public confusion surrounding the reported neutralisation of a terrorist commander identified as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki during a joint military operation conducted with the United States Africa Command on May 16, 2026.
In a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the military said the clarification became necessary after media reports drew comparisons between the latest operation and a similar counter-terrorism strike in 2024 in which a commander bearing the same name was reportedly killed.
According to the DHQ, the recurrence of such names among insurgent groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East and across the Lake Chad Basin is not unusual.
The military high command explained that members of terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram frequently adopt similar aliases and nom de guerres as part of their operational culture and indoctrination methods.
