Operatives of the Joint Task Force (Operation Restore Order) in Maiduguri on Monday said the leader of dreaded Boko Haram, Ibrahim Shekau may have been killed in a gun battle with its forces.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Force, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said “Intelligence report available to the Joint Task Force Operation RESTORE ORDER revealed that Abubakur Shekau, the most dreaded and wanted Boko Haram Terrorists leader may have died”.
It added that Shekau “died of gunshot wound received in an encounter with the JTF troops in one of their camps at Sambisa Forest on 30 June 2013. Shekau was mortally wounded in the encounter and was sneaked into Amitchide – a border community in Cameroun for treatment which he never recovered. It is greatly believed that Shekau might have died between 25 July to 3 August, 2013”.
The JTF further said the “The recent video released on 13 August, 20013 by the purported sect leader was dramatized by an imposter to hoodwink the sect members to continue with the terrorism and to deceive the undiscerning minds”.
The JTF however wishes to appeal to the sect members to lay down their arms and embrace the federal government’s offer for dialogue.