The Nigerian Army has reacted to the newly released video by Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in which it debunked Nigerian government's claims that the terror group has been crushed and flushed out of its Sambisa forest stronghold.
“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,” Shekau said in the video, flanked by armed fighters.
“You should not be telling lies to the people,” he said, referring to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari who said on Christmas Eve that the extremist group had been defeated and driven away from the forest, its last known bastion.
In its reaction, the army reiterated that it has captured and occupied the last known stronghold of the terrorists group in the Sambisa forest.
Below is the full statement:
PURPORTED BOKO HARAM VIDEO MERE PROPAGANDA
The attention of the Nigerian Army is drawn to a video clip released by Boko Haram Terrorist group from an undisclosed location a while ago, showing its purported leader, making spurious claims.
While effort is on going to subject the video for further forensic analysis, the Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate that it has 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.
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.
Our gallant troops deployed in various parts of the north east have continued to intensify search for all persons associated with Boko Haram terrorist group with a view to bring them to justice.
Consequently, the public are hereby enjoined to go about their normal lawful business, remain vigilant and security conscious.
They should also report any suspicious person or group of persons to security agencies.
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations
Keep it real Adey! Thumbs up
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