In
a statement released by the military and signed by Defence spokesperson,
Maj. Gen Chris Olukayode, the military confirmed that Shekau was killed in one
of the major battles by the deadly terrorist group to penetrate and overtake
Konduga, a town near Maiduguri, the capital city of North-Eastern Borno State.
The
Nigerian military have confirmed the death of one Mohammed Bashir, the man who
poses as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, leader of terrorist insurgent group,
Boko Haram.
In
a statement released by the military and signed by Defence spokesperson,
Maj. Gen Chris Olukayode, the military confirmed that Shekau was killed in one
of the major battles by the deadly terrorist group to penetrate and overtake
Konduga, a town near Maiduguri, the capital city of North-Eastern Borno State.
The
statement also reveals that the 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. Confirming that he is indeed the dead man pictured in a tweet released
earlier within the week.
Read
the statement below.
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
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