Troops kill ISWAP media commander

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of its chief photographer and veteran raid commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, following a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, intelligence sources disclosed that the terrorist group issued an obituary confirming Abu Salim was among the fighters killed by Nigerian troops during the failed operation.

Makama reported that Abu Salim was one of ISWAP’s most influential media operatives, serving as the group’s chief photographer and videographer. He was responsible for documenting combat operations and producing propaganda materials used for recruitment and sustaining the group’s morale.

The report added that before joining ISWAP’s media unit, Abu Salim commanded several cross-border attacks against security forces in neighbouring Cameroon before later taking charge of the group’s media operations.

Security sources quoted by Makama described his death as a major blow to ISWAP, noting that he played a critical role in producing and distributing the group’s propaganda content.

The confirmation comes days after Nigerian troops successfully repelled the attempted attack on the military base, killing several insurgents and senior operatives during the encounter.

According to Makama, security sources said the development reflects the sustained pressure being mounted on ISWAP by Nigerian troops, which has continued to weaken both the group’s operational and propaganda capabilities across the North-East.