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
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.