The dreaded leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Abubakar Shekau has committed suicide to thwart the attempt by rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants to capture him alive.
Information obtained from intelligence sources by PRNigeria revealed that a deadly clash had ensued between Shekau’s men and ISWAP terrorists in the Sambisa forest on Wednesday.
ISWAP, a splinter group of Boko Haram, according to the report, which had grown in power and influence since it started operating from its territorial base on the banks and islands of Lake Chad now occupies some sections of Sambisa forest following Shekau’s ouster.
PRNigeria, quoting that a situation report (SITREP) by one of the intelligence services 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 averred that yesterday (Tuesday) 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 BH members are returning to their houses.” PRNigeria also reported that in the meantime, the Nigerian military had placed all the Borno State commands of the Nigerian Army and Airforce on the 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.”
It was further learnt that ISWAP had been in pursuit of Shekau, which forced him into abandoning his camp and running off until the shootings, which led to his death. The spokespersons of the military and intelligence services were said to have been reluctant to comment on the incident.
The Nigerian Army had at different times claimed to have killed Shekau, only for the Boko Haram leader to surface in videos, threatening more attacks on Nigeria and his group’s innocent victims.