Abubakar Shekau

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Abubakar Shekau
Abubakar Shekau, Rewards for Justice.jpg
Still image of Shekau from an undated video.
Born Shekau, Yobe State, Nigeria
Known for Leader of Boko Haram
Military career
Allegiance 23px Boko Haram
(2002–2013)
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
(2014–present)
Years of service 2002–present
Rank ISIL Emir of West Africa
Battles/wars Boko Haram insurgency

Abubakar Shekau, also known by the alias Darul Akeem wa Zamunda Tawheed, or Darul Tawheed ("the abode of monotheism") (Arabic: دار التوحيد‎‎), thought to be born between 1965 and 1975 [1] is a Kanuri man known as the leader of Boko Haram, a Nigerian militant group that has declared loyalty to the Islamist militant group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).[2][3] He served as deputy leader to the group's founder, Mohammed Yusuf, until Yusuf was Executed in 2009. Nigerian authorities believed that Shekau was killed in 2009 during clashes between security forces and Boko Haram until July 2010, when Shekau appeared in a video claiming leadership of the group.[3] He has subsequently been reported dead with regularity, and is thought to use body doubles. In March 2015, Shekau pledged allegiance to ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Shekau is a Salafi.[4] He has been described as possessing a photographic memory.[5]

Profile

Shekau is an ethnic Kanuri but also speaks Hausa, Arabic, and English.[6] He claims to be an intellectual and theologian who studied Islam "under a traditional cleric".[7][8]

In videos Shekau posted online, he boasted often about his invincibility; mocked various armies; and stated that he "cannot be stopped" and "cannot die except by the will of Allah". He has also boasted of being in possession of armored tanks and other combat vehicles.[9] His online videos frequently depict anti-American rhetoric, and he has made multiple threats to attack the U.S.[10]

In June 2012 the United States Department of State designated Shekau as a terrorist and effectively froze his assets in the United States.[11] Since June 2013,[12] the Department has had a standing reward of US$7 million for information leading to Shekau's capture through its Rewards for Justice program.[13] In addition, the Nigerian army has offered a ₦50 million reward (approximately US$300,000) for Shekau.[14]

Shekau survived being shot in the leg during the 2009 attempt on his life by Nigerian security forces.[3] After his near death, he increased his violent attacks.[8] In one prominent incident, he took credit for the kidnapping of over 200 school girls in April 2014.[8] Shekau also announced that the kidnapped girls have been converted to Islam.[15] He has claimed to be waging a jihad against Christianity.[16]

Personal life

Shekau was born in Nigeria, although it has also been claimed that he was born in Shekau village in Yobe State of Nigeria. His age is unclear. He is married to one of Muhammad Yusuf's four wives.[7]

His nickname is “Darul Tawheed”, which translates as "specialist in tawheed", the Islamic concept of oneness of Allah.[7]

Reports of death and body doubles

Shekau was reported killed in 2009 but reappeared as the group leader less than a year later.[17] The Nigerian army also stated to have killed him during the 2014 Battle of Kodunga that lasted from September 12 to 14th.[18] The Cameroonian military posted a photo[19] and also claimed that their forces killed Shekau in September 2014.[20][21][22] In response to these reports, security analyst Ryan Cummings commented, "Is this his fourth or fifth death? He dies more often than an iPhone battery."[19] In early October 2014, a video was obtained by AFP news agency that showed Shekau alive, in which he mocked the Nigerian military's allegations that he had been killed.[23][24]

Local media have suggested that the man killed by Cameroon was a body double used for security reasons.[19][25]

According to The National Post, Nigerian government officials say that the original Shekau is long dead, but impostors keep popping up to perpetuate the myth that Shekau is unbeatable. His appearance and name are now a “brand name for the terrorists. … The Nigerian military remains resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumes that designation or title.” There are inconsistencies between videos purportedly made by Shekau, such as his speaking in different cadences and with varying mannerisms. “In some cases he appears much heavier or much darker in skin color, and the posturing is very different between each man,” according to TRAC.[26]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ BBC: "Nigeria's Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in profile" 9 May 2014
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Boko Haram and the Future of Nigeria, by Dr. Jacques Neheriah Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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