Army chief extends 40-day deadline to capture Shekau, new duration not specified

Buratai had issued the ultimatum to Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, who is in charge of the anti-Boko Haram troops, on July 21, 2017 - the deadline expired on August 30.

In a statement issued on Friday, September 1, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said Commander Attahiru requested for an extension of the order to capture Shekau.

The statement, however, did not specify the duration of the extended deadline.

Usman said the troops killed 82 terrorists during the period and came close to achieving the directive issued by the Buratai.

He said, "The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai, has commended the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, his sector commanders and all troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for pursuing the COAS directive of capturing the purported Boko Haram terrorists’ leader, Abubakar Shekau, dead or alive, within 40 days beginning on July 21, 2017, which elapsed on August 30, 2017.

"Although the leader has not been captured, the COAS noted with satisfaction the zeal and determination with which the directive was pursued. He congratulated the commander for eliminating five key leaders of the terrorist group that were the closest associates and right-hand men of the terrorist group leader.

"The Theatre Commander has asked for the extension of the deadline and it has been granted by the COAS."

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The army spokesman added that with the latest number of terrorists killed, including top five Boko Haram commanders, Shekau is ineffective.