The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly confirmed the death of its chief photographer and senior raid commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who was allegedly killed during a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.
The development was disclosed in a report by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region.
According to the report, ISWAP issued an obituary announcing the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, confirming that he was among the militants killed by Nigerian troops during the attempted assault on the military facility.
The report said Abu Salim was one of the group’s key media operatives, overseeing its photography and video production efforts, which were used to document combat operations and produce propaganda materials for recruitment and internal mobilisation.
Before taking up his role in ISWAP’s media unit, Abu Salim reportedly led several cross-border attacks into neighbouring Cameroon, where he commanded operations against security forces before later transitioning to the group’s propaganda arm.
“The terrorist group circulated an obituary announcing the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, confirming he was among the fighters neutralised by Nigerian troops,” the report stated.
According to Makama, Abu Salim’s death is considered a major blow to ISWAP’s propaganda network, as he was responsible for coordinating the production and dissemination of the group’s operational videos and other media content.
His reported death was confirmed just days after Nigerian troops successfully repelled the attempted assault on the military base, an operation that reportedly resulted in the deaths of several ISWAP fighters, including some of the group’s senior operatives.
BACKSTORY:
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is one of the most active extremist groups operating in northeastern Nigeria and parts of the Lake Chad Basin, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The group emerged in 2016 after splitting from Boko Haram over leadership and ideological differences, with ISWAP later gaining recognition from the Islamic State (ISIS) as its affiliate in West Africa.
Over the years, ISWAP has carried out numerous attacks on military formations, humanitarian workers, civilians, and government facilities, particularly in Borno State and surrounding areas. While the group is known for launching coordinated assaults on military bases, it also places significant emphasis on media and propaganda to recruit fighters, spread its ideology, and project operational strength.
Its propaganda wing has played a central role in producing photographs, videos, and statements documenting attacks, military parades, and recruitment campaigns. These materials are distributed through encrypted online platforms and channels linked to the Islamic State’s global media network, making media operatives an important part of the group’s structure.
According to security analysts, the reported death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who allegedly headed ISWAP’s photography and media operations while also serving as a senior raid commander, represents a setback to the group’s propaganda capabilities. His reported killing came after Nigerian troops repelled an attempted attack on a military base, an operation that security sources said resulted in the deaths of several militants.
The Nigerian military has, in recent years, intensified counter-insurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai, targeting ISWAP and Boko Haram enclaves through coordinated ground offensives, airstrikes, intelligence-led operations, and regional collaboration with neighbouring countries. Authorities have repeatedly stated that these operations are aimed at weakening the operational and leadership structures of terrorist groups across the Lake Chad region.
