Military's Claim of ISWAP Operative's Death Questioned

The Nigerian military announced the killing of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, identified as a media operative for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during a night operation. Mohammed Goni, acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, stated that the military's findings indicated a decline in ISWAP's media operations.

The military released screenshots from a video it claimed showed ISWAP acknowledging al-Barnawi's death. However, an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that the video was produced approximately seven years prior to the military's claims.

On July 12, troops repelled an ISWAP attack in Cross Kauwa, Borno State, where they reportedly killed an unnamed ISWAP cameraman and recovered a Sony camcorder with intelligence footage. Nine days later, Goni identified the deceased as al-Barnawi, who had transitioned from a terror commander to a media role within ISWAP.

The military's claims gained traction online, with significant engagement on social media platforms.