The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of its chief photographer and senior raid commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi. He was reportedly killed during a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the terrorist group released an obituary confirming the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi.
“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.
Makama said Abu Salim was one of ISWAP’s top media operatives. He was responsible for photography and video production used to record the group’s operations and create propaganda for recruitment and internal mobilisation.
Before taking on that role, he reportedly led several cross-border attacks against security forces in neighbouring Cameroon.
The report said his death is a major blow to ISWAP’s propaganda operations because he coordinated the production and distribution of the group’s videos and other media materials.
His death was confirmed a few days after Nigerian troops successfully repelled the attempted attack on the military base, an operation that reportedly killed several ISWAP fighters and key commanders.
