DHQ says 'Shekau video' is deceptive

The unverified footage shows Shekau looking weak and asking his followers to surrender as he is leaving the rest to Allah.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, March 24, by the director of defence information, Rabe Abubakar, a general and chief of defence staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, advised the public not be deceived by the video as it might be a ploy to distract the people so as to carry out massive attacks.

“The DHQ wishes to state emphatically that not minding the contents of the video clips, the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to fight in order to consolidate the successes recorded so far,” Olonisakin said.

“The said video clip should, therefore, be discountenanced as it could be another ploy or antics of the terrorists to keep our innocent citizens off their current security alertness to maximise casualties if attacked.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are now determined more than ever before to end this ugly trend.

“The DHQ is also reassuring citizens that all captives under the coffer of the insurgents would regain their freedom with the ongoing military’s final offensive against the terrorists.”

He commended all officers and men of the armed forces for their sacrifices, determination and courage to complete the task against the terrorists.

The chief of defence staff urged Nigerians to be extra vigilant and security conscious at all times during the Easter celebrations and beyond.