Abubakar Shekau: US Reacts to Reported Death of Boko Haram Leader, Says ISIS Won’t Get $7m Bounty

- The US State Department says ISIS can't claim the $7 million reward placed on Abubakar Shekau

- The department in reaction to the reported death of the Boko Haram factional leader said the bounty is not meant for a group under ISIS

- Recall that a rival terrorist group reportedly killed Shekau after invading his stronghold in Sambisa Forest

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Members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) affiliated fighters in Nigeria will not be given the $7 million bounty placed on the factional leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, according to the United States.

This was made known on Thursday, May 20, via a tweet by the US State Department Rewards for Justice Program in response to the reported death of Shekau.

According to the US, ISIS is not eligible to claim the reward for information on the Boko Haram leader's identity or location, adding that the program doesn't work that way.

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Just In: Military finally reacts to death of factional Boko Haram leader Shekau

Back in June 2012, Shekau was tagged a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State under Executive Order 13224.

Later on, the department placed a reward of up to $7 million for credible information that could lead to the identity or location of Shekau as part of its global counter-terrorism rewards programme.

Recall that reports emanated on Thursday morning, May 20, alleging that Shekau was killed during a face-off with fighters of ISWAP.

However, the Nigerian military said it is yet to receive information on the reported death of the Boko Haram sect leader.

Brig.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, the acting director, Defence Media Operations, stated that he didn’t have information concerning the incident.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian security agencies were on high alert over news that Shekau was finally dead.

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Army, DSS, others on high alert as ISWAP reportedly forced Shekau to kill himself

Both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the army authorities are making efforts to verify the claim.

The report also has it that despite the fact that ISWAP and Boko Haram commanders have been killing one another, this is the first time that Shekau will be reported to have been killed in a battle with terrorists.

As expected Nigerians reacted to the unverified reports which claimed that the Boko Haram factional leader was killed.

While some Nigerians expressed surprise about the reports, others said they would not believe the report until it is verified.

Cinderella Man said:

"Omo Be like say shekau Don collect o. But we now have a fierce enemy in Iswap.''

Source: Legit.ng