ISWAP chief propagandist, two media operatives killed in failed attack – Army
Operation Hadin Kai Reports Death of Senior Boko Haram Commander
NIGERIA—Operation Hadin Kai announced the death of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, identified as a senior commander in Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during a thwarted terrorist incursion at a military position in Cross Kauwa, Borno State.
In a statement released Wednesday, acting Military Information Officer Captain Mohammed Goni reported that Abu Salim was among several militants killed during the attempted infiltration on July 12, 2026.
The operation also eliminated additional members of the ISWAP media team, including Abu Umar Khattab and Abu Khalid Usman. Troops recovered a video camera and various items at the scene, confirming earlier military reports.
Intelligence indicates that Abu Salim previously spearheaded cross-border operations into Cameroon before taking on a media role, where he was responsible for documenting attacks and producing propaganda to aid recruitment efforts.
The terrorist group has since acknowledged his death, publishing an obituary that reflects the mounting casualties faced by ISWAP.
Military sources indicated that the latest encounter resulted in significant losses for the group, including the reported death of a Syrian fighter and an ISWAP commander named Aliyu Zabarmari, while another foreign fighter remains unaccounted for.
Captain Goni emphasized that the recent operation highlights the effectiveness of ongoing military actions against Boko Haram and ISWAP. He stated, “The loss of such seasoned operatives further degrades the terrorists’ operational capability, weakens their propaganda apparatus, erodes their command structure, and diminishes their ability to spread extremist narratives.”
He reiterated the military’s commitment to conducting intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling Boko Haram and ISWAP networks and restoring peace in Nigeria’s North-East region.
