Abubakar Shekau
Abubakar Shekau (Arabic: أبو بكر شيكاو; 1969 or 1975 – 20 May 2021), also known by his alias Darul Tawheed (Arabic: دار التوحيد), was a Nigerian Islamist terrorist. He is the leader of the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram, whose insurgency began in 2009. He served as deputy leader to the group's founder, Mohammed Yusuf, until Yusuf was killed in 2009. Shekau then became the leader of the group.[1]
| Abubakar Shekau | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Abubakar Mohammed Shekau |
| Born | 24 March 1973 Shekau, Tarmuwa, Yobe State, Nigeria |
| Died | 19 May 2021 (aged 48) Sambisa Forest, Borno State, Nigeria |
| Allegiance | Boko Haram (2002–2021) Islamic State (fully 2015–2016; loosely from 2016) |
| Years of service | 2002–2021 |
| Rank | Leader (2009–2021) |
| Battles/wars | Boko Haram insurgency |
Shekau was born in Yobe State, Nigeria and is a Kanuri. He speaks Hausa, Arabic, and English. He has four wives. He has been reported dead several times during the early 21st century.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Shekau killed himself by suicide vest on 20 May 2021 to avoid being captured.[2][3] Nigerian officials confirmed his suicide.[3]
Abubakar Shekau Media
Amputation led by Boko Haram.
Boko haram attack in Borno state
Picture of Sambisa Forest.
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References
- ↑ Brock, Joe (12 January 2012). "Nigeria sect leader defends killings in video". Reuters Africa (Reuters). http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE80B01D20120112. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
- ↑ "Boko Haram leader tried to kill himself during clash with rivals, officials claim". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Parkinson, Drew Hinshaw and Joe (2021-05-21). "WSJ News Exclusive | Boko Haram Leader, Responsible for Chibok Schoolgirl Kidnappings, Dies" (in en-US). Wall Street Journal. . https://www.wsj.com/articles/boko-haram-leader-responsible-for-chibok-schoolgirl-kidnappings-dies-11621608392. Retrieved 2021-05-21.