I Am Still in Charge of Boko Haram Despite ISIS Claim-Abubakar Shekau Insists
Abubakar Shekau, pictured, said in an audio message he still leads Nigerian insurgent group Boko Haram, despite an Islamic State pronouncement that he was replaced by Abu Musab al-Barnawi. The conflict indicates a power conflict in the group. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia
LAGOS AUGUST 4TH (URHOBOTODAY)-The leader of Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram insists he is still in charge, accusing an alleged successor of staging a coup against him.
A magazine published earlier this week by the Islamic State, which regards the Nigerian organization as its West African affiliate, referred to Abu Musab al-Barnawi as Boko Haram’s purported new leader. But a 10-minute audio message released Wednesday by Abubakar Shekau said he was still in charge.
Shekau accused Barnawi, who was previously Boko Haram’s spokesman, of attempting a coup against his leadership.
The message was Shekau’s first public pronouncement in a year, and suggests ideological differences within the Boko Haram hierarchy. Sources confirmed Shekau opposes Islamic State involvement in his militant group; in the message he denied hoarding food and ammunition, and engaging in reckless killing.
