BEVERLY HILLS, May 20, (THEWILL) – An armed group suspected to be members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly killed Abubakar Shekau, the factional leader of the dreaded Boko Haram during a fierce battle in Sambisa Forest.
Shekau had been reported dead on different occasions in the past but during encounters with the military.
According to a Daily Trust report, Baana Duguri, an ISWAP Commander, said Shekau’s men and ISWAP fighters engaged in a fierce battle on Wednesday.
The sources said hundreds of ISWAP fighters invaded Sambisa with heavy gun trucks during the week, hunting for Shekau, adding that Shekau was not actually or directly killed by ISWAP, the splinter rival group, but blew himself up in a suicide move when ISWAP attempted to capture him (Shekau) alive, during the gun duel.
“The ISWAP fighters surrounded the Boko Harm leader as the shooting ensued between the two sides but Shekau detonated a bomb and killed himself when he observed that the ISWAP fighters wanted to capture him alive”, the source said.
Although there is no official statement or confirmation on the death of the most wanted terrorist leader by Nigerian security forces, a security report alerted that, “With these development ISWAP are more equipped and funded than JAS. So their mode of operation will change, and there is likely going to experience frequent attacks around Konduga, Bama, Gwoza, Biu LGA’S and part of Adamawa.”
The security alert warned that, “All humanitarians around the axis should be security conscious and be very vigilant.”
Although there have been reports of ISWAP and Boko Haram commanders being killed in exchange of gunfire, this is the first time that Shekau would be reported to have been killed in a battle with rival terrorists.
However, he has subsequently embarrassed the military and government by debunking the claim of his death through videos or audios.
Shekau took over leadership of Boko Haram in 2009 following the death of Mohammed Yusuf, the group’s founder.
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