Abubakar Shekau Allegedly Dies As Boko Haram And ISWAP Members Clash In Sambisa Forest

Posted by Thandiubani on Thu 20th May, 2021 - tori.ng

A clash between Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province members has reportedly led to the death of Abubakar Shekau.

Abubakar Shekau

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has reportedly died.

According to Vanguard, this happened after suspected members of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) clashed with Boko Haram members in Sambisa forest.

The incident happened on Wednesday, 19th May.

According to the report, sources say hundreds of ISWAP fighters invaded Sambisa with heavy gun trucks during the week hunting for Shekau. It was revealed that Shekau was not actually or directly killed by ISWAP, the splinter rival group, but blew himself up and committed suicide when ISWAP attempted to capture him (Shekau) alive, during a gun duel.

The report states that although there was no official statement or confirmation on the death of the most wanted terrorist leader, Shekau by Nigerian security forces, a lot of people took to their social media platforms celebrating Shekau’s death on Thursday morning, May 20.

A security report quoted in the Vanguard report reads

“Unconfirmed source reported that the leader of JAS Abubakar shekau was dethroned and killed by ISWAP and they have taken over the entire sambisa forest.

With these development ISWAP are more equipped and funded than JAS. So their mode of operation will change, and there is likely going to experience frequent attacks around Konduga, Bama, Gwoza, Biu LGA’S and part of Adamawa.

All humanitarians around the axis should be security conscious and be very vigilant.”