TheCable

The defence headquarters has announced that the ‘impostor’ of Abubakar Shekau has been killed while more 135 insurgents have surrendered to the Nigerian military.

Addressing the press on Thursday, defence spokesman, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, who displayed pictures and footages to buttress his statement, maintained that Nigeria is winning the ongoing war against insurgency.

The names of the ‘impostor’ were given as Bashir Mohammed, Isa Damsaka and Abacha Abdullahi Geidam by Olukolade.

“Nigerian troops have been conducting coordinated air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at containing the terrorists in the northeast part of the country,” he said.

“Somehow, it became apparent that the terrorists in continuation of their campaign of terror were determined to take over communities around Maiduguri, which is their prime target.  There was therefore the need to ensure that communities such as Konduga were protected.

“It is noteworthy that the terrorists made not less than four attempts between September 12 and 17 2014 to violate the security and enter Konduga to perpetrate their atrocities. Air and land 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.”

Revealing how Shekau was killed, Olukolade said that communities such as Mairiga, Buni Yadi, Mubi, Michika known to be the strongholds of the Boko Haram sect were taken over by the military.

“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.

“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

“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.”

Continuing, Olukolade said: “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.”

Olukolade commended the Nigerian troops and citizens who have been cooperating with the military by providing relevant information, leading to their arrest.

“The defence headquarters applauds the gallantry of the Nigerian troops who have remained undaunted and professional in prosecuting this campaign against terror,” he added.

“The keen interest exhibited by our neighbours and allies is commendable and we appreciate them.  The invaluable efforts toward achieving sustainable peace and victory against the terrorists are highly appreciated.”

Still, he emphasised the need for all citizens to ensure 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,” he said.