“The military lied, we are alive, I am alive, Buhari how can you crush us?” - Boko haram Leader

Abubakar Shekau the Boko haram leader released another video message dismissing the successes of the Nigerian army and describing its reports as lies.

The Nigerian military had claimed severally that it had killed the sect leader. However, after each such statement the terrorist had appeared in videos released by the terrorists group, insisting he was alive and issuing threats.

Although many people believe that the insurgent may have been using Shekau’s look-alike for the videos. 

As far as audio messages are concerned, last month Shekau released one, mocking President Muhammadu Buhari as he said: 

“This ostentatious person, a liar — I mean Buhari, who raised arms to crush us in three months. You Buhari why didn’t you say in three years?” 

This time the purported sect leader reacted to the message by Colonel Sani Usman, the army spokesman, that the troops had destroyed more rebel enclaves and camps in Borno state.

Recall! Usman’s statement: “The fight against the terrorists in the northeast is gaining successful momentum, with most of the camps falling to the Federal might.”

Speaking in the new 25-minute message delivered in Hausa, Shekau rubbished recent successes recorded by the Nigerian Army, saying that they are all lies. 

He said: “They (the military) lied that they have confiscated our arms, that we have been chased out of our territories that we are in disarray. 

“We are alive, I am alive, this is my voice, more audible than it was before. This is Shekau.

“Buhari is a liar and has deceived you. The army spokesman is also lying. He and his footsoldiers always run helter-skelter whenever we come face to face with them… 

“Buhari, you once claimed that you will crush us in three months. How can you crush us?” 

Shekau also refers to the members of the Islamic State terrorist organization, in particular leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, to whom he says he is “loyal and subservient” and IS spokesman Abu-Mohammed al-Adnani, to whom he sends greetings.

The recording contains mention of Buhari’s recent trip to Paris for an official visit to President Francois Hollande. Shekau dismissed Buhari’s comments about “our brethren in prison”, apparently speaking about the amnesty that could purportedly be offered to the jailed militants, if Boko Haram leaders released the Chibok girls. 

It is worth noting that the last time Shekau appeared in a video message was February. Since then, it has been only audio.