The Nigerian Army says it is investigating reports that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has either died or was seriously injured during a clash with a splinter group, the Islamic State in West African Province (Iswap).
It’s not the first time Shekau has been reported killed. But the militant leader resurfaced each time.
Army spokesman Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima told the BBC that the army was still looking into what may have happened, but will not issue a statement until it gets definite proof.
One journalist with close links to security agencies has said that Shekau died when Iswap attacked Boko Haram positions in the Sambisa forest, north-east Nigeria.
The AFP news agency quotes two sources saying that Shekau survived his attempt to kill himself when he was surrounded.
Iswap has not commented.
Shekau took over Boko Haram after its founder Muhammad Yusuf was killed by police in 2009.
Since then, more than 40,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced from their homes in the deadly insurgency in north-east Nigeria.
Latest Stories
-
Communication Ministry assures data price cuts as TELCOS prepare to reduce costs soon
11 minutes -
Fans battle it out in FIFA, Basketball, and Gala at Hitz FM’s ‘Rep Ur Jersey’
12 minutes -
Suspended CJ’s affidavit facetious and unnecessary – Dafeamekpor
55 minutes -
Dafeamekpor, Kabila clash over past comments on Woyome case and Wontumi arrest
2 hours -
Give schools power to dismiss violent students – EduWatch urges as indiscipline rises
2 hours -
Excitement peaks at Hitz FM’s ‘Rep Ur Jersey’ ahead of UCL final at Aviation Social Centre
2 hours -
2025 Unity Cup: Black Stars hammer Trinidad and Tobago to finish third
2 hours -
Mid-air turnaround of OP122 flight was due to technical issue, not fuel shortage – PassionAir clarifies
2 hours -
Support children battling cancer -Lifeline for Childhood Cancer appeals
3 hours -
Mz Nana shines bright with triple nomination at 2025 Ghana Music Awards USA
3 hours -
What do we lose if suspended CJ hearing is publicised? – Bomfeh questions closed proceedings
3 hours -
Fuel shortage forces Passion Air flight bound for Takoradi to return mid-air to Accra
4 hours -
Bawumia arranged sureties for Wontumi’s release – Hassan Tampuli claims
4 hours -
Wontumi’s bail varying application was instructed by his wife – Tampuli
5 hours -
Manner of Wontumi’s EOCO arrest needless and avoidable – Bomfeh
5 hours