Jama’atu Ahlussunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad (JAS), popularly known as Boko Haram, has finally confirmed the death of their leader, Abubakar Shekau.
The death of Shekau was announced by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on May 19, 2021. According to the terrorist group, Shekau blew himself up after he refused to surrender following the ISWAP invasion of his hideout.
Shekau reportedly killed himself with a bomb to avoid the invading ISWAP fighters to capture him alive.
On why its fighters invaded Boko Haram’s camp, ISWAP, which broke away from Shekau’s group in 2016, explained that it was unhappy with Shekau excessive use of force on Muslims in areas under his influence.
Abu Musab Albarnawi, ISWAP leader said that his fighters stormed Shekau’s enclave and engaged in a gun duel with Boko Haram fighters.
However, about two months after Shekau’s death, his followers, in a video obtained by journalists in Maiduguri, confirmed the death of their leader.
The group led by one Bakura Sahalaba, said that despite the death of Shekau that Boko Haram is still very active and has not come to an end.
Weapons spotted with the Boko Haram fighters in the video include AKM(S)/type 56 pattern rifles, Romanian PM ME. 90 & PM MD. 63 rifles, Zastava M21S rifles (likely from Cameroon) and PK/type 80 pattern GPMGs.