According to reports, the air strike was carried out on August 19, 2016.

Col. Sani Usman, acting Director, Army Public Relations said three other Boko Haram terrorists were confirmed dead in the attack.

They were identified as  Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Malam Hamman.

Colonel Usman in a text message to NAN clarified that Shekau was not among the dead, which implies that 'fatally wounded', contained in his earlier statement meant to convey 'seriously wounded'.

He said the raid took place while the terrorists were performing Friday rituals at Taye village,  Gombale general area within Sambisa Forest..