Army Headquarters confirms Shekau is dead

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has prove that the self-acclaimed leader Boko Haram sect, Mr. Mohammed Bashir, alias "Abubakar Shekau" had died in an encounter with troops in Konduga.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, confirmed the death of Shekau at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday. 

“In the encounters, one Mohammed Bashir, who has been acting or posing as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as the leader of the group died.

“Since the name Shekau has become a brand new name for the terrorists’ leader, the Nigerian military remains resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumes that designation.

General Olukolade said the same fate await all terrorists who sought "to violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria". The defence spokesman said that the deceased Shekau was also known as "Abacha Abdullahi Geidam" and "Damasack".

Also, he said another 133 terrorists surrendered to Nigeria on Tuesday, bringing the total number to 148.