The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of its chief photographer and senior raid commander, Abu Salim al-Barnawi, who was reportedly killed during a failed attack on a Nigerian military base last week.

According to a report by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the terrorist group issued an obituary confirming that Abu Salim was among the fighters neutralised by Nigerian troops during the attempted assault.

Abu Salim reportedly headed ISWAP’s media operations, overseeing the production of combat videos and propaganda materials used for recruitment and internal mobilisation. Before joining the media unit, he was said to have led several cross-border attacks against security forces in Cameroon.

His death is considered a major setback to ISWAP’s propaganda operations, coming days after Nigerian troops repelled the attack, killing several fighters and key operatives.