#Boko Haram: Shekau’s impostor now dead,135 Members In Custody......DHQ

 The  military, on Wednesday, confirmed the death of one Mohammed Bashir, who had been acting and posing on videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the character known as leader of the Boko Haram sect.

The loquacious man who appeared in many videos taunting President Goodluck Jonathan and his American counterpart Barack Obama is dead, the military announced yesterday.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said since Shekau had become a brand name for the terrorists’ leader, the Nigerian military remained resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumed that designation or title, as well as all terrorists “that seek to violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria.”

He added that anybody who assumed that title of Shekau remained a target, adding that “if another Shekau comes up tomorrow, he becomes a target; we must thank Nigerians for the interest they have shown, which has boosted the morale of the troops.”

According to him, on restoring normalcy after the encounter with the sect members, inhabitants of the community, who had been victims of activities of the terrorists, corroborated information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed, alias Abubakar Shekau, also known as Abacha Abdullahi Geidam, Damasack, among others.

He also said a total of 135 terrorists, as of Wednesday, had surrendered to Nigerian troops, along with their equipment, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

Gen. Olukolade in a statement said:

“The troops captured some of the terrorists and their equipment. 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.

“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.

“On restoring normalcy after the encounter, 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. Indeed, the recent devastation on the leadership of the insurgents is attributable to the renewed commitment to the mission of eradicating terrorism in our country.

“Meanwhile, a total of 135 terrorists 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.”

 “The Defence Headquarters applauds the gallantry of the Nigerian troops who have remained undaunted and professional in prosecuting this campaign against terror. The keen interest exhibited by our neighbours and allies is commendable and we appreciate them.

“All allies in the war against terrorism are hereby assured of the Nigerian military’s resolve to maintain momentum in the efforts to decimate and defeat terrorists.

“The invaluable efforts toward achieving sustainable peace and victory against the terrorists are highly appreciated.

“It is nevertheless necessary to alert all citizens that there is still the need for 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.