The Islamic State West Africa Province has confirmed the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, its chief photographer and senior raid commander, who died during a failed assault on a Nigerian military base last week. Counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a report tracking activities in the Lake Chad region.
ISWAP circulated an obituary announcing al-Barnawi's death and acknowledging that he was among fighters killed by Nigerian troops during the botched attack. According to Makama's report, al-Barnawi held one of the group's most visible roles in its media operations.
He oversaw photography and video production that documented combat operations and generated propaganda materials for recruitment and internal messaging. Before moving into media work, al-Barnawi commanded several cross-border raids into Cameroon, leading operations against security forces in the neighbouring country.
Makama said al-Barnawi's death represents a major blow to ISWAP's propaganda machinery. The operative had coordinated production and distribution of the group's operational videos and other media content.
Nigerian troops repelled the attempted military base attack, which killed several ISWAP fighters and key operatives. The confirmation of al-Barnawi's death came days after this operation.
