The Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) says the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau was executed by orders from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), HumAngle reports. 

ISWAP made this known on Friday in an address from its leader, Abu Mus’ab Habeeb Bin Muhammad Bin Yusuf al-Barnawi, born Habib Yusuf.

Confirming the death of the former Boko Haram leader, al-Barnawi said Shekau blew himself up after refusing to surrender following the invasion of his hideout on May 19, 2021.

According to him, Shekau’s fighters rejoiced over his death, adding that the former terrorist leader, who took over after the death of Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf in 2009, was apprehended “in the most humiliating manner.”

Speaking in Hausa, al-Barnawi said: “This was someone who committed unimaginable terrorism. How many has he wasted? How many has he killed? How many has he terrorised? But Allah left him alone and prolonged his life.

“When it was time, Allah set out brave soldiers after receiving orders from Amirul Muminin [leader of the believers].”

About ISWAP 

ISWAP broke away from Shekau's Boko Haram faction in 2016 after pledging allegiance to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). 

Clashes between the Shekau-led group and ISWAP are said to be not uncommon by local sources.

Following reports of Shekau's death in May, ISWAP fighters sustained their aggressive onslaught against the Abubakar Shekau’s faction of Boko Haram terrorists, killing and arresting some of the rival sect’s commanders and members. 

The ISWAP leadership has vowed to eliminate all terrorists belonging to the Shekau group, if they refuse to surrender.

According to the operative, the ISWAP Service Chiefs and its Commanding Officers are all under the supervision of Abu-Mosad Albarnawy, who is coordinating the mission.