The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of one of its senior members, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who was reportedly killed during a failed assault on a Nigerian military base.
The confirmation was contained in an obituary reportedly circulated by the terrorist group and cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama. According to the report, al-Barnawi was among the fighters neutralised by Nigerian troops during the botched attack carried out last week.
Al-Barnawi served as ISWAP’s chief photographer and a senior raid commander. He was responsible for coordinating the production of photographs and videos used by the group for propaganda, recruitment, and internal communication.
Inside Borno State:
Troops Foil Terrorists’ Attempt to Invade Borno Communities
Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Fuel Supplier in Borno Operation
Troops Neutralise Six ISWAP Fighters, Foil Attack on Borno Military Base
Before taking charge of the group’s media operations, he reportedly led several cross-border attacks against security forces in neighbouring Cameroon before transitioning into propaganda activities.
Makama described his death as a significant blow to ISWAP’s media and propaganda network, noting that he played a key role in documenting the group’s operations and distributing its propaganda materials.
His death comes days after Nigerian troops successfully repelled the attempted attack on the military base, an operation that reportedly resulted in the deaths of several ISWAP fighters and key commanders.
Security analysts believe the loss of such a prominent media operative could weaken the group’s ability to produce and disseminate propaganda, even as military operations against insurgents continue across the North-East.
About The Author
