NIGERIAN ARMY CONFIRMS BOKO HARAM LEADER SHEKAU IS DEAD

The Defence Headquarters has released a
statement claiming to have killed a man posing
as the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau
(or his impersonator) in an attack (both land and
air) in Konduga Borno state between 12nd to 17th
September. Find the statement after the cut...

 Nigerian troops have been conducting coordinated
air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at
containing the terrorists in the North East part of
the country. Somehow, it became apparent that
the terrorists in continuation of their campaign of
terror were determined to take over communities
around Maiduguri which is their prime target.
There was therefore the need to ensure that
communities such as Konduga were protected. It
is noteworthy that the terrorists made not less
than four attempts between 12 and 17 September
2014 to violate the security and enter Konduga to
perpetrate their atrocities. Air and land forces
were subsequently deployed to handle the
situation.
The convoy of combat vehicles typical of
terrorists� mission that involves their top
commanders, were fiercely engaged by the land
and air forces. Several of the terrorists including
some of their commanders lost their lives in the
encounters which lasted an average of about 5
hours each.
The troops captured some of the terrorists and
their equipment. In the course of those
encounters, one Mohammed Bashir who has been
acting or posing on videos as the deceased
Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known
as 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 as well as all terrorists
that seek to violate the freedom and territory of
Nigeria.
On restoring normalcy after the encounter,
inhabitants of the community who were victims of
terrorists activities corroborated information on
the identity of Bashir Mohammed alias Abubakar
Shekau, alias Abacha Abdullahi Geidam alias
Damasack etc. Indeed, the recent devastation on
the leadership of the insurgents is attributable to
the renewed commitment to the mission of
eradicating terrorism in our country.
Meanwhile, a total of 135 terrorists have
yesterday evening surrendered along with
equipment to troops around Biu Local Government
Area. 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.
The Defence Headquarters applauds the gallantry
of the Nigerian troops who have remained
undaunted and professional in prosecuting this
campaign against terror. 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
momentum in the efforts to decimate and defeat
terrorists. The invaluable efforts toward achieving
sustainable peace and victory against the
terrorists are highly appreciated.
Statement signed by Defence spokesperson, Maj.
Gen Chris Olukayode