The Nigerian Army in a statement on Thursday dismissed a new video released by Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau as “mere terrorist propaganda”.
Shekau had claimed in the new video that Boko Haram members are fine and not decimated and crushed as claimed by President Muhammadu Buhari, who had announced the “final crushing” of Boko Haram.
He said the government “should not be telling lies to the people”.
“If you indeed crushed us, how can you see me like this? How many times have you killed us in your bogus death?” he asked.
“We are safe. We have not been flushed out of anywhere. And tactics and strategies cannot reveal our location except if Allah wills by his decree,” Mr. Shekau said in the 25-minute video on Thursday.
In its response the Army said the video will be subjected to “further forensic analysis” but maintained it “captured and occupied the last known stronghold of the terrorists group in the Sambisa forest”.
“We would like to reassure the public that this video is nothing but mere terrorists propaganda aimed at creating fear in the mind of people and to remain relevant,” the Army said.
“Therefore, there is no cause for alarm, more so as concerted effort in clearing the vestiges of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hiding is still ongoing.”
cpcnews.org 