Boko Haram Finally Surrenders?

screeshot of the controversial Facebook post

Reports that emerged in the early hours of March 24 suggested that Boko Haram had finally surrendered to the superior power of Nigeria. A video by The Leadership, shows the kingpin, Abubakar Shekau who was rumoured to have been killed, advising his followers to “surrender to save themselves”.

Shekau in the video uploaded by the Leadership reportedly appeared to have surrendered to constant bombardments by the Nigerian troops. Meanwhile, having analyzed the speech by Shekau, a contrary opinion has emerged regarding the terrorist leader’s alleged surrender. NAIJ.com’s editors have carefully listened to the now-viral speech by Shekau. They could not any message urging the Islamists to lay down their weapons in the video. Contrary to the Leadership’s take on the video, our translators note that Shekau continually used: “Naji sakon ku, naji, gaisuwar ku, Allah ya saka maku da alkairi,” meaning “I have received ya messages, I have heard you greetings, God bless you.” He also spoke about their deformed caliphate in Gwoza, noting that the people are also wishing him well. 

Further analysis of the video reveals that a surrendering man does not surrender with arms to his shoulders, Shekau was carrying a firearm and could not be possible telling others to lay down theirs, experts say.

Source: Naij