Nigerian Army Insists Boko Haram Leader Shekau Is Dead!
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) made it clear that the military had killed the head of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau.
The DHQ has released a statement claiming that the Nigerian Army killed "Abubakar Shekau", the man who took up the mantle of leadership after the real head of the sect died in unclear circumstances in 2013.
SaharaReporters made it known that the military, in a recent raid in Konduga, had killed sect's commander. Many of Boko Haram fighters soldiers have surrendered and laid down their weapons.
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While commending the efforts of his men on the said issue, the Defence Information Spokesperson, Maj.Gen. Chris Olukolade, confirmed that on the 12th and 17th September 2014, the insurgents attempted to violate the security in the region and tried to enter Konduga to perpetrate their atrocities.
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The statement explained that the air and land forces deployed to confront the men of the Boko Haram group fought fiercely bringing down the head of the group. Although many terrorists, including some of their commanders, lost their lives in encounters which lasted an average of about 5 hours each, Olukolade made it known that men of the force fought like never before. In addition to this, a short video clip featuring Shekau impostor has been provided to back the message by the military:
Learn more from the statement below:
Nigerian troops have been conducting coordinated air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at containing the terrorists in the North East part of the country. Somehow, it became apparent that the terrorists in continuation of their campaign of terror were determined to take over communities around Maiduguri which is their prime target. There was therefore the need to ensure that communities such as Konduga were protected. It is noteworthy that the terrorists made not less than four attempts between 12 and 17 September 2014 to violate the security and enter Konduga to perpetrate their atrocities. Air and land forces were subsequently deployed to handle the situation.
The convoy of combat vehicles typical of terrorists’ mission that involves their top commanders, were fiercely engaged by the land and air forces. Several of the terrorists including some of their commanders lost their lives in the encounters which lasted an average of about 5 hours each. The troops captured some of the terrorists and their equipment. In the course of those encounters, one Mohammed Bashir who has been acting or posing on videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as leader of the group died. Since the name Shekau has become a brand name for the terrorists’ leader, the Nigerian military remains resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumes that designation or title as well as all terrorists that seek to violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria.
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On restoring normalcy after the encounter, inhabitants of the community who were victims of terrorists activities corroborated information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed alias Abubakar Shekau, alias Abacha Abdullahi Geidam alias Damasack etc. Indeed, the recent devastation on the leadership of the insurgents is attributable to the renewed commitment to the mission of eradicating terrorism in our country.
Meanwhile, a total of 135 terrorists have yesterday evening surrendered along with equipment to troops around Biu Local Government Area. A group of 88 submitted themselves at Mairiga/Bun – Yadi while another group of 45 terrorists were taken in around Mubi – Michika. They are all being interrogated and processed in conformity with the dictates of standard best practices.
The Defence Headquarters applauds the gallantry of the Nigerian troops who have remained undaunted and professional in prosecuting this campaign against terror. The keen interest exhibited by our neighbours and allies is commendable and we appreciate them. All allies in the war against terrorism are hereby assured of the Nigerian military’s resolve to maintain momentum in the efforts to decimate and defeat terrorists. The invaluable efforts toward achieving sustainable peace and victory against the terrorists are highly appreciated.
It is nevertheless necessary to alert all citizens that there is still the need for even more vigilance and cooperation with the security forces. Everybody is required to remain alert to ensure that we are not taken unawares by terrorist elements who might want to carry-out isolated attacks in any part of our country.
It would be recalled that just yesterday, fifty Boko Haram members were arrested while trying to move from Damboa area of Borno state to Gombe in a goat truck.
Source: Legit.ng
