The leader of Boko Haram terrorists group has been reportedly killed in a bloody clash with fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sambisa Forest of Borno. Confirming the clash and killing of Shekau Thursday in Maiduguri, an intelligence source, disclosed that; “ISWAP, a splinter group of Boko Haram, has grown in power and influence since the terrorists commenced operating from their territorial bases of Lake Chad region,” stating that ISWAP now occupies some parts of forest following the latest development on terrorism in the Northeast. According to the situation report of the intelligence services; the notorious terrorist leader must have been killed in the struggle for power between the two terrorist groups. The intelligence service also disclosed: “On May 19, 2021, at 6.29pm, ISWAP top Fighter Ba’ana Duguri on this selector located around Sambisa Forest in Pulka, Gwoza council of Borno state, informed ISWAP the logistics Commander; Modu Sulum located opposite the General Hospital, Konduga. The intelligence source also added: “They killed Shekau over all Boko Haram leaders in Sambisa Forest to date.” Duguri said the ISWAP team of fighters surrounded Shekau with his team; before shooting ensued between the two terrorist factions. “Shekau detonated a bomb and killed himself when he observed that the ISWAP fighters wanted to capture him alive,” he said. Continuing, he added; “Duguri also informed Sulum that the two sides also lost some fighters during the exchange of gun fires. He noted that despite the bloody clash of terrorists Shekau discarded his cap and ran, stating that;
“Today the pursuit continued until he was finally killed.” Duguri therefore asked UGURI asked Modu Sulum if the other Boko Haram members who fled are returning to their respective camps (houses). He said the ISWAP terrorists are still pursuing the Boko Haram leader, despite the reported killing. While responding, Sulum rejoiced over the death of Shekau and glorified God over the success. He also said that only a few Boko Haram members are returning to their houses. Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has placed all Borno State Commands of the Army and Air Force on red alert. The troops are currently carrying out discreet bombardments in the Sambisa Forest/Lake Chad region axis. According to military sources in Maiduguri, the aerial and ground bombardments could have triggered the current crisis between the two terrorist groups. Findings also revealed that ISWAP had been in pursuit of Shekau before rounding him up yesterday that led to his death in the forest. Wednesday’s clash of two terrorists groups have also resulted in some casualties on the ISWAP fighters. While contacting spokesmen of the military, they were however reluctant to confirm the killing of Shekau.
