No Evidence Boko Haram Died

Misbar’s investigation into this claim shows it to be suspicious as there has been no confirmation from two key sources, the Nigerian Army and Boko Haram group itself.

Shekau’s alleged death was first reported by local news media, HumAngle, noting he had escaped twice from the hands of rival ISWAP soldiers. ISWAP was ordered to track him down in the Sambisa forest and exterminate him if he refused to surrender and join the new group. He, however, rejected, and according to Abu Musab, the interim leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), he detonated a bomb vest.

Although Washington Post reported that two anonymous Nigerian officials confirmed his death this time around to be authentic, it is yet to be confirmed officially by the Nigerian Army. In 2014 and 2016 when the army told that he had been killed only to resurface later. The military, however, says it is investigating the claim. Shekau has been declared dead at least five times in the last ten years.

The rival terrorist group, ISWAP, was created in 2016 when many of his foot soldiers became displeased by his style of leadership and ideology. ISWAP members were against the reckless killing engaged in by Shekau’s faction, which included those they deemed to be ‘believers.’ For years, Boko Haram had unleashed terror and mayhem on Nigeria’s northeast, including states within the Lake Chad region. Since 2009  he took over from the founder Mohammed Yusuf.

Boko Haram launched military operations in 2009 and killed thousands, abducted hundreds, including at least 200 school girls. 

Although several media houses report that Shekau is dead, there is no proof to support this. The claim is therefore suspicious.