Uncertainty over Shekau’s fate *Fails to appear in Boko Haram’s latest video

YUSUF DANLADI

The Boko Haram sect has released a new video with Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, again failing to appear in it. His continued absence from the sect’s videos has increased speculation about his fate.

He was last heard from in March 2015, when he released an audio message pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group.

In the eight-minute video, an unidentified young man speaks in the name of the Islamic State in West Africa, saying, “We are still present everywhere we had been before.”

The video shows the militants attacking a security checkpoint, seizing weapons, and slitting the throat of a policeman.

Shekau also failed to appear in a Boko Haram video released earlier in June.

Meanwhile, troops of 21 Brigade in conjunction with elements of 151 Task Force Battalion of 7 Division, Nigerian Army have conducted offensive operations along Aulari in Bama axis.

According to the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Tukur Gusau, the troops successfully cleared terrorists’ camp in Fadan, Shuwarin, Wulari, Ngoro Dauye, Jidori, Alikashiri, Kalzamari-Shuwa and Kalzamari-Kanuri, amongst others.

During the offensive operations, 178 people held captives by the terrorists were rescued. They include 101 children, 67 women and 10 men.

He added that three Boko Haram flags were recovered while five motor cycles were burnt by the troops. In addition, one Boko Haram commander was captured alive and is presently undergoing investigation.

Gusau added that troops’ morale remains high as they are determined to consolidate on the success achieved so far under Operation LAFIYA DOLE.