ISWAP Chief Photographer, Media Team Neutralized in Borno

​MAIDUGURI — The counter-terrorism campaign in Nigeria’s northeast has dealt a severe blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) following the neutralization of the terror group’s chief propagandist and raid commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi.

​Al-Barnawi, a notorious operative who transitioned from leading cross-border raids into Cameroon to heading the group’s mobile media unit, was eliminated alongside key media team members Abu Umar Khattab and Abu Khalid Usman.

​According to a statement released by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the high-profile neutralizations occurred during a failed terrorist infiltration attempt targeting a military location in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

ADVERTISEMENT

​A Devastated Media Apparatus

​Military intelligence revealed that al-Barnawi was the mastermind behind the lenses, responsible for filming, photographing, and glorifying ISWAP atrocities to drive recruitment and manufacture an illusion of strength. The recovery of a video camera from the wreckage of the botched assault directly linked the neutralized fighters to the terrorist group’s active propaganda machinery.

​The terrorist network has since been forced to issue an obituary acknowledging al-Barnawi’s death—a rare public concession that highlights the profound impact of ongoing military pressure on their diminishing ranks.

​Heavy Casualties at Cross Kauwa

​The July 12 offensive saw troops inflict devastating casualties on the insurgents. Alongside the media personnel, troops neutralized several high-ranking commanders, including a foreign mercenary of Syrian Arab descent and a Quaid identified as Aliyu Zabarmari. Another foreign mercenary remains unaccounted for, while multiple key fighters fled the theater with severe gunshot wounds.

​Military authorities emphasized that the steady elimination of experienced operatives severely erodes ISWAP’s command structure, degrades its operational capabilities, and dismantles its capacity to propagate extremist narratives.

​Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining relentless, intelligence-driven operations until the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP are completely eradicated and lasting peace is restored to the North East.