The Nigerian Army has dismissed a new video released on Thursday by Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau as mere propaganda.
In a statement on Thursday, Army spokesman Brigadier General Sani Usman said the attention of the Nigerian Army was drawn to a video clip released by Boko Haram from an undisclosed location Thursday afternoon, showing its purported leader, making spurious claims.
He said: “While effort is ongoing 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.”
He added that: “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,” he stated.
Usman noted that troops deployed in various parts of the North East had continued to intensify search for all persons associated with Boko Haram with a view to bringing them to justice.
He enjoined the public to go about their normal lawful business, remain vigilant and security conscious and report any suspicious person or group of persons to security agencies.
