Army Denies Arrest of Abu Zainab, Boko Haram Top Commander; Says Shekau’s alleged escape to Kolofata, Cameroon Not True.

 The Nigerian Army High Command has denied reports in a media organization that one of the top Boko Haram commanders in its custody revealed the whereabouts of Abubakar Shekau to be in Kolofata, Cameroon.

Noting that it never arrested the said Commander, Abu Zainab, the army insisted that it was searching for the Boko Haram leader hence the N3million offer it placed for any information leading to Abubakar Shekau’s arrest.

The statement signed by Brigadier General Sani Usman, Director, Army Public Relations said, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a news story (on Sahara Reporters) alleging that the wanted purported factional Boko Haram terrorist’s group leader, Abubakar Shekau, is in Kolofata, Republic of Cameroon.

“Sahara Reporters is credited the source of such information to the Nigerian Army.

“According to the medium, it was alleged that ‘A top Boko Haram commander, Abdullahi Bello alias Abu Zainab, who was captured by the Nigerian Army on February 14, has disclosed that the wanted factional leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau, has escaped to Kolofata in neighbouring Cameroon”.

“This is not true”.

“The Nigerian Army did not arrest such person; neither do we have such suspect in our custody”.

“Contrary to the allegation on the medium, the Nigerian Army is not aware of the whereabouts of Abubakar Shekau hence the reward of the sum of N3 million Naira for any credible information on his whereabouts. 

“We would like to implore all persons particularly journalists to always authenticate or cross check their facts and information from the Nigerian Army before publication or circulating.”

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman

Director Army Public Relations