The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of its chief photographer and veteran commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who was killed during a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, on his X post reporter that intelligence sources said the terrorist group circulated an obituary confirming that Abu Salim was among the fighters neutralised by Nigerian troops during the failed assault.
Makama reported that Abu Salim was a key figure in ISWAPâs media apparatus, serving as the groupâs chief photographer and videographer responsible for documenting combat operations and producing propaganda materials used for recruitment and boosting morale.
Before joining the media unit, he reportedly commanded several cross-border raids into neighbouring Cameroon, where he led attacks against security forces before transitioning into media operations, according to Makama.
The report described his death as a major setback to ISWAPâs propaganda network, noting that he played a central role in recording and disseminating the groupâs operational videos and other media content.
Makama further reported that the confirmation followed last weekâs failed assault on the military base, during which Nigerian troops repelled the attackers, inflicting heavy casualties and killing several senior ISWAP operatives.
Security sources quoted by Makama said the development underscores the continued degradation of ISWAPâs operational and media capabilities as military offensives intensify across the North-East.
