Abubakar Shekau is “mentally sick," Army reacts to new video by terrorists

dimeji akinloye

September 25, 2016 5:07 PM

The army was reacting to a new video purportedly released by the terrorists' leader, in which he refuted the claim that he is seriously wounded.

The Nigerian Army has described the embattled leader of Boko Haram,

The army was reacting to a new video purportedly released by the terrorists' leader on Sunday, September 25, in which he refuted the claim that he was seriously wounded in a recent military airstrikes.

Shekau said in the video: “You have been spreading in the social media that you injured or killed me.

“Oh tyrants, I’m in a happy state, in good health and in safety.”

In a statement issued on Sunday by the army spokesman, Sani Usman, it said Shekau has derailed and no longer believes and practises the Islam he professes to follow.

The statement said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip released by the so-called Abubakar Shekau faction of the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists group this morning.

“It is public knowledge that the military has been making concerted efforts to clear the remnants of the terrorists and rescue all persons held hostage by them especially the abducted Chibok Secondary School girls. This is a task that will be accomplished, no matter how long it takes. We are determined in this regards. Already thousands of persons have been rescued by troops from the terrorists.

“The video has further shown that he has derailed and no longer believes and practices the Islam he professes to follow; as he was absent at the last Eid prayers video. It is equally reported that he could not even lead prayers. The public should not be fooled by this individual.”

“No nation or society would believe him or any Boko Haram terrorist based on antecedent and as he has shown over times to be irrational and therefore unreliable especially when it comes to negotiations on the release of the abducted girls. Therefore he must release them unconditionally.

“We want to assure Nigerians especially the residents of Maiduguri, Kano, Kaduna and Zaria not to panic as we have more than what it takes to defend them and deal decisively with the remnants of the terrorists group.

“We would like to reiterate that Boko Haram terrorism as it was known, is gone for good. We are just counting down to the day when all the few remnants will be totally wiped out or brought to justice."

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The army, however, said there is still opportunity for the repentant ones among the terrorists to lay down their arms and surrender.

dimeji akinloye