Boko Haram: Shekau Resurfaces Again In New Video As Army Kicks

Days after President Muhammadu Buhari announced the “final crushing” of Boko Haram, the leader of the terror group, Abubakar Shekau has released a new video saying the group remained alive.

“We are safe. We have not been flushed out of anywhere. And tactics and strategies cannot reveal our location except if Allah wills by his decree,” Mr. Shekau said in the 25-minute video seen by AFP on Thursday.

Mr. Buhari had on Christmas Eve said that the takeover of Sambisa Forest by Nigerian troops marked the country’s triumph over Boko Haram.

But Mr. Shekau said the government “should not be telling lies to the people”.

“If you indeed crushed us, how can you see me like this? How many times have you killed us in your bogus death?” he asked.

The AFP reported that it was not immediately clear when the new video was shot, but Mr. Shekau, who spoke in both Hausa and Arabic, said it was filmed on Christmas Day.

The latest video came two months after the sect leader released a footage to deny military’s claims that he had been killed.

Boko Haram New Video Is Mere Propaganda – Army

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has described the video purportedly released by the Boko Haram showing its leader as “mere terrorists’ propaganda.”

A statement by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman in Abuja on Thursday said the attention of the Nigerian Army had been drawn to the video clip released by the group from an undisclosed location, showing its purported leader, Shekau, making spurious claims.

“While effort is on going to subject the video to further forensic analysis, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate that it has captured and occupied the last known stronghold of the terrorists group in the Sambisa forest.

“We would like to reassure the public that this video is nothing but mere terrorists propaganda aimed at creating fear in the mind of people and to remain relevant.

“Therefore, there is no cause for alarm, more so as concerted effort in clearing the vestiges of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hiding, is ongoing.

“Our gallant troops deployed in various parts of the North-East have continued to intensify search for all persons associated with Boko Haram terrorist group with a view to bringing them to justice”, Usman said.

He urged the public to go about their normal lawful business, remain vigilant and be security conscious; adding that any suspicious person or group of persons should be reported to the security agencies.