The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has acknowledged the passing of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, its primary photographer and a high-ranking tactical commander. He perished during an unsuccessful assault on a Nigerian military installation last week. This news emerged via an update from security analyst Zagazola Makama, who monitors the Lake Chad basin.
ISWAP released a formal obituary confirming that al-Barnawi was killed by Nigerian soldiers during the engagement. Previously, he was recognized as a central figure in the organization’s media wing, managing the capture and editing of footage used for recruitment and internal morale.
Prior to his role in media production, al-Barnawi directed various incursions into Cameroon, targeting local security personnel. Makama noted that his death represents a major blow to ISWAP’s public relations efforts, as he was responsible for overseeing the creation and dissemination of combat-related digital content. This confirmation arrives shortly after Nigerian forces successfully turned back the militants, resulting in multiple casualties among the terrorist ranks.
