After some days of speculation and arguments over who actually killed the leader of Boko Haram, Shekau, the military high command has at last explained how the encounter that led to the killing of the kingpin terrorist happened.
A statement yesterday by the Defence Headquarters laid to rest the doubt on whether Shekau was actually killed by the Nigerian troops or not.
Meanwhile, 135 terrorists yesterday evening surrendered along with equipment to troops around Biu Local Government Area. A group of 88 submitted themselves at Mairiga/Bun โ Yadi while another group of 45 terrorists were taken in around Mubi โ Michika. They are all being interrogated and processed in conformity with the dictates of standard best practices.
In an explanation, the military noted that the person they killed whose real name is Mohammed Bashir had adopted the propaganda of Shekau after the first Shekau was been killed.
โThere is propaganda in the prosecution of Boko Haram assault on Nigeria and therefore they would never admit that their leader or arrowhead has been killed. Whenever one leader is down, they raise another bearing the same identity to create the impression that they are not losing the fight.โ
The statement noted that: โThe 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.
โThere 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.โ
According to them, the convoy of combat vehicles typical of terroristsโ 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 five hours each. The troops captured some of the terrorists and their equipment.
โIn 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 terroristsโ 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.
โThe 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 militaryโs 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. โ
