The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, following a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, intelligence sources revealed that the group circulated an internal obituary confirming that the senior operative was among those killed during the unsuccessful assault, which was repelled by Nigerian troops.

Sources indicate that Abu Salim al-Barnawi played a key role within ISWAP, serving as the group’s chief photographer and videographer. He was responsible for documenting combat operations and producing media materials used for propaganda, recruitment and morale-building among fighters.

Before transitioning into the media unit, he reportedly led several cross-border attacks into Cameroon, targeting security forces.

Military sources confirmed that Nigerian troops successfully thwarted the attack on the base, killing multiple insurgents during the encounter.

Security experts describe his death as a significant blow to ISWAP’s propaganda operations, given his strategic influence in documenting and publicising the group’s activities.

They also noted that the development highlights the sustained pressure being applied on insurgent groups through ongoing military operations across Nigeria’s North-East region.