Intelligence reports say, the leader of the militant terrorist group, Boko Haram has been reportedly killed after a deadly clash between his men and those of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to the report, the ISWAP, a splinter group of Boko Haram, which has grown in power and influence since it started operating from its territorial base on the banks and islands of Lake Chad has now occupied some section of Sambisa Forest following the latest development.
A situation report (SITREP) by one of the intelligence services said that the notorious terrorist leader must have been killed during the struggle for power between the Boko Haram and the ISWAP groups.
The reports stated that “On 19th May 2021, about 1829hours, ISWAP top Fighter Baana DUGURI-on this selector – geolocated around sambisa forest Pulka Gwoza LGA BRS, informed ISWAP logistics commander MODU SULUM- geolocated opposite General hospital Konduga LGA Borno state that, they killed ABUBAKAR SHEKAU overall BH leader in Sambisa Forest date.
“DUGURI disclosed that the ISWAP fighters team surrounded the BH leader with his team and shooting ensued between the 2 factions.DUGURI further added that SHEKAU detonated a bomb and killed himself when he observed that the ISWAP fighters wanted to capture him alive.
“Furthermore, DUGURI informed SULUM that the two sides also lost some fighters during the shooting .He avered that even Yesterday ISWAP was pursuing ABUBAKAR SHEKAU and he SHEKAU discarded his cap and ran but today the pursuit continued and he was finally killed.
DUGURI asked MODU SULUM if the other BH members who fled are returning to their houses? “In his response,, SULUM rejoiced over the death of ABUBAKAR SHEKAU and glorified God over the success.
He also said few Boko Haram members are returning to their houses.” Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has placed all Borno State Commands of the Nigerian Army and Airforce on Red Alert.
The troops have lately been carrying out discreet bombardments around the Sambisa axis and Lake Chad axis which may have triggered the current crisis and strife between the two hitherto collaborators. Findings reveal that ISWAP has been in pursuit of Shakau which led to him discarding his camp and running off until he was rounded up yesterday which led to his death.
The clash also resulted in some casualties on the ISWAP side.
Defence Correspondent Olayemi Esan contacted the Nigerian military spokesperson and intelligence services but was reluctant to talk. Some of the spokespersons are currently attending a capacity-building workshop at the Nigerian Army Resources Centre Abuja as at the time of filing this report.
