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| Abu Bakr Shikau kills himself in fight against rival Islamic State in West Africa |
Abu Bakr Shikao, the leader of the African terrorist organization Boko Haram, killed himself while fighting against the rival terrorist organization Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP).
According to the AFP news agency, this was confirmed on the occasion when it was revealed two weeks ago that he had died.
His death is crucial in ending 12 years of terrorism in Nigeria, which has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced 2 million in the country’s northeast.
Boko Haram has not yet officially commented on the death of its leader, while the Nigerian military says it is investigating the claim.
In an audio available to AFP from ISWAP leader Abu Musab al-Barnawi, he said Shikao preferred to be humiliated in the hereafter rather than on earth. He blew himself up with an explosive device. Taken
The ISWAP described in audio how it sent its fighters to Boko Haram strongholds in the jungles of Sambisa, saw Shikao sitting inside his house and set himself on fire.
He said the Boko Haram leaders then fled and hid in the bushes for five days, but the militants continued to search for them.
After searching in the bush, ISWAP fighters urged him and his followers to repent, but he refused and killed himself.
“We are very happy, the biggest tragedy for the nation is over,” the message said.
ISWAP split from Boko Haram in 2016 after Shikao objected to the use of female suicide bombers targeting Muslims.
The audio message further said that this was the person who committed incredible terrorism and atrocities, since when has he been misleading the people? How many times has he oppressed and abused people?
In the last two years, ISWAP has emerged as a more powerful force in the region, launching large-scale attacks against the Nigerian military.
Analysts say that now that the group is free of Shikao militants and territories, the Nigerian military could face a more unified extremist force under the auspices of the ISWAP.
But ISWAP Boko Haram groups may face struggles outside Simbisa, especially in the border areas, to control or persuade Shikao loyalist groups.
A security source said that the matter may not be over yet, the ISWAP will have to control or persuade them to maintain their full control.
