Military Neutralises ISWAP Propaganda Chief, Dismantles Mobile Media Team
Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has confirmed the elimination of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander who later became the terrorist group’s chief photographer and propaganda operative, during a failed terrorist attack on a military position last week.
Military authorities also confirmed that Abu Salim was killed alongside other members of the ISWAP mobile media team, including Abu Umar Khattab and Abu Khalid Usman. A video camera used by the propaganda team was among the items recovered by troops, as earlier disclosed in an official OPHK statement.
According to intelligence reports, the terrorist group has since acknowledged Abu Salim’s death through the publication of an obituary, confirming another major setback within its ranks.
Before joining the media unit, Abu Salim reportedly led several cross-border terrorist raids into Cameroon. He was later reassigned to ISWAP’s propaganda wing, where he coordinated the filming and photography of terrorist operations, produced propaganda materials, and sought to glorify the group’s activities to recruit new members and spread extremist narratives.
The military said the elimination of Abu Salim and the ISWAP mobile media team occurred during the terrorists’ failed attempt to infiltrate Cross Kauwa on July 12, 2026.
During the operation, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, killing several high-profile fighters, including a Syrian national and a Quaid identified as Aliyu Zabarmari. Another foreign mercenary is reported to be missing, while several other fighters sustained serious injuries as they fled under sustained military pressure.
Operation HADIN KAI described the development as further evidence that its sustained offensive operations are producing significant results. The military noted that the loss of experienced operatives has weakened the terrorists’ operational capability, disrupted their propaganda machinery, eroded their command structure, and reduced their ability to recruit followers and coordinate attacks.
The military also stated that ISWAP’s decision to publish an obituary for Abu Salim reflects the increasing pressure being mounted by troops and highlights the group’s growing difficulty in replacing experienced operatives who have been systematically eliminated.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven offensive operations aimed at eliminating the remaining Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, dismantling their support and propaganda networks, denying them freedom of movement, and restoring lasting peace and security across Nigeria’s North-East region.
