Abubakar Shekau is leader of Boko Haram
ABUJA, May 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Twenty-four hours after media outlets reported the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, the Nigerian army says it is investigating the veracity of such reports.
Army spokesman Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima said the army was still looking into what may have happened, but will not issue a statement until it gets definite proof.
Reports emerged on Wednesday (May 19) evening that the longserving terrorist had been killed after a rival group, the Islamic State in West African Province, ISWAP, took over his base in the Sambisa forest located in northwestern Borno State.
Shekau’s fighters were overpowered by ISWAP fighters who took him hostage. He is said to have detonated a secret suicide vest killing himself and his capturers in the process.
The news has been received with skepticism given the number of times Shekau has been reported dead or fatally wounded but he reemerges taunting the government and army.
ISWAP has yet to comment on the development. — NNN-AGENCIES
