We Have Killed Abubakar Shekau 'Again' - DHQ

Photo of Man Posing as Abubakar Shekau
The Defence authorities yesterday confirmed the killing of
Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, during one of
the four encounters with insurgents in Kodunga, Borno State
between September 12 and 17, 2014.
In a statements issued by
the Defence Information
Spokesperson, Maj. Gen .
Chris Olukolade, the Army
commended its men for
their gallantry even in the
face of extreme
confrontation by the
insurgents.
The statement says: "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 but
the military 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.
"It is nevertheless necessary to alert all citizens that there is
still the need for even more vigilance and cooperation with
the security forces.  Everybody is required to remain alert to
ensure that we are not taken unawares by terrorist elements
who might want to carry-out isolated attacks in any part of
our country."