CONFIRMED! Military says "Abubakar Shekau" is dead…148 Boko Haram members surrender

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that self-acclaimed leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau is dead. He was killed in the battle of Konduga on September 17. The military, explained that the fellow’s actual name is Mohammed Bashir. He was an imposter who adopted the name “Abubakar Shekau’’.

The military also stated that the original Shekau had been long dead and that his name had turned into a brand name. So, according to the military, Abubakar Shekau I and Abubakar Shekau II are both dead.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, confirmed the death of Shekau at news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

His words:“In course of encounters, one Mohammed Bashir, who has been acting or posing as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as the 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,’’ 

The defence spokesman said that the deceased Shekau had other nicknames which included “Abacha Abdullahi Geidam’’ and “Damasack’’.

Olukolade stated that another 133 terrorists surrendered to troops on Tuesday, bringing the total number to 148.

"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", he said.

Commending the gallantry of the Nigerian troops, Olukolade said that between Sepember 12 and 17, the terrorists made four attempts to attack Konduga but were repelled by air and land forces deployed to handle the situation. Konduga is 35 kilometres from Maiduguri, the State capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Olukolade as also saying: “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 the momentum in the efforts to decimate and defeat terrorists.

“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 unaware by terrorist elements, who might want to carry out isolated attacks in any part of our country,’’