OPERATION HADIN KAI Eliminates ISWAP Media Chief, Deals Fresh Blow to Terrorist Propaganda Network

 

By AfreecanImage News Desk

The Nigerian military has announced another major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency, confirming the elimination of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative who served as the group's chief photographer and propaganda coordinator.

According to a statement issued by Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Abu Salim was killed during the failed terrorist attack on a military position at Cross Kauwa in Borno State on July 12, 2026. He was reportedly eliminated alongside other members of ISWAP's mobile media unit, including Abu Umar Khattab and Abu Khalid Usman.

Terrorist Propaganda Unit Dismantled

Military authorities revealed that Abu Salim was formerly a commander who led several cross-border attacks into Cameroon before being reassigned to oversee ISWAP's media and propaganda operations.

His responsibilities included:

• Recording and photographing terrorist attacks.
• Producing propaganda videos and publications.
• Promoting extremist ideology.
• Supporting recruitment efforts by portraying the terrorist group as powerful and successful.

The military noted that a video camera used by the media team had earlier been recovered during the operation, further confirming the identities and roles of the deceased operatives.

Heavy Casualties Inflicted on ISWAP

Operation HADIN KAI stated that troops inflicted significant losses on the terrorists during the failed assault.

Among those reportedly killed were:

• Abu Salim al-Barnawi – ISWAP chief photographer and propaganda operative.
• Abu Umar Khattab – Member of the media team.
• Abu Khalid Usman – Member of the media team.
• Aliyu Zabarmari – A senior ISWAP commander (Quaid).
• A Syrian Arab fighter linked to the terrorist group.

The military also disclosed that another foreign mercenary remains missing following the failed attack, while several terrorists sustained severe injuries as they retreated under sustained military fire.

Terrorist Group Confirms Death

Operation HADIN KAI said ISWAP has officially acknowledged Abu Salim's death by publishing an obituary, describing it as evidence of the increasing pressure military operations are placing on the insurgent group.

According to the military, the public acknowledgement confirms that the terrorist organization is finding it increasingly difficult to replace experienced fighters and propaganda operatives who have been eliminated in recent operations.

Military Says Propaganda Network Weakened

The military emphasized that neutralizing key media operatives is as significant as eliminating frontline commanders because propaganda remains one of the terrorists' primary tools for:

• Recruiting new members.
• Spreading extremist ideology.
• Creating fear among civilians.
• Projecting false narratives about battlefield successes.

Officials believe dismantling the group's media infrastructure will significantly reduce its ability to coordinate psychological operations and attract new recruits.

Sustained Offensive Operations Continue

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining intelligence-driven offensive operations across Nigeria's North-East.

The military said its objective remains to:

• Eliminate Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
• Destroy terrorist logistics and propaganda networks.
• Prevent terrorists from regrouping.
• Restore lasting peace and security across the region.

The statement stressed that operations will continue until the remaining insurgent elements are completely dismantled.

                                    AfreecanImage News Summary

The Nigerian military has recorded another major success against ISWAP with the elimination of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, the terrorist group's chief photographer and propaganda operative, during a failed attack on a military base in Borno State. Three other senior operatives, including members of ISWAP's media unit, were also killed.

Operation HADIN KAI said the operation has dealt a significant blow to the group's propaganda machinery, recruitment efforts and operational capacity. The military added that ISWAP's decision to publish an obituary for Abu Salim confirms the effectiveness of ongoing military offensives and the growing pressure on the terrorist organization.

Security authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling the remaining terrorist networks and restoring peace across Nigeria's North-East.