KANO: Doubts persisted yesterday over a Nigerian military claim that the leader of Islamist extremist group Boko Haram may have been killed, with questions raised over the timing of the announcement.
A security task force in northeastern Nigeria issued a statement on Monday saying Abubakar Shekau, declared a “global terrorist” by the United States, “may have died” from a gunshot wound after a clash with soldiers on June 30.
“It is greatly believed that Shekau might have died between 25 July to 3 August 2013” after being taken over the border into Amitchide in neighbouring Cameroon, the statement said.
It was issued on the day the task force wrapped up its work and handed over duties to a newly created military division charged with the battle to end Boko Haram’s four-year insurgency.
Task force spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa declined to comment when contacted on Tuesday, saying he had left Maiduguri, the epicentre of Boko Haram’s insurgency and where the force was based.
National defence spokesman Brigadier General Chris Olukolade distanced himself from the statement, while local media reported yesterday that there was unease within the military over the claim.
“We are yet to get confirmation on that,” Olukolade said on Monday. “We are talking to our troops in the field.”
He could not be reached yesterday. AFP
