ISWAP Confirms Elimination of Chief Photographer Abu Salim al-Barnawi
By Zagazola Makama
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of its chief photographer and veteran raid commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who was killed during a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorist group circulated an obituary announcing the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, confirming he was among the fighters neutralised by Nigerian troops during the encounter.
Sources said Abu Salim was one of ISWAP’s most prominent media operatives, serving as the group’s chief photographer and videographer responsible for documenting combat operations and producing propaganda materials used for recruitment and morale.
Before joining the group’s media wing, he reportedly commanded several cross-border raids into neighbouring Cameroon, where he led attacks against security forces before transitioning into media operations.
His death is regarded as a significant blow to ISWAP’s propaganda machinery, as he played a central role in recording and disseminating the group’s operational footage and media content.
The confirmation of his death by the terrorist group comes after Nigerian troops repelled the attempted assault on the military base, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and neutralising several key operatives.
Security sources said the elimination of Abu Salim illustrates the continued degradation of ISWAP’s operational and media capabilities as military offensives intensify across the North-East.
