Nigerian claim of ISWAP media chief death based on old video

The Nigerian military announced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that it killed Abu Salim al-Barnawi, a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) media operative, during a failed terrorist attack on a military position in Borno State on July 12. However, verification of a video the military presented as proof that ISWAP confirmed the killing reveals the footage was produced approximately seven years earlier, raising questions about the evidence supporting the claim.

According to a statement from the acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, the joint military task force in the northeast, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops repelled a night attack by ISWAP fighters on their position at Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area. Goni stated that an unnamed ISWAP cameraman was killed in the operation, and a Sony camcorder was recovered. Nine days later, on July 21, the military identified the slain operative as Abu Salim al-Barnawi, describing him as a former terror commander who later became a chief photographer and propaganda coordinator for the group. The military said his death dealt a significant blow to ISWAP's media and recruitment capabilities.