Following the purported video released by the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, a security and Information Technology expert, David Matthew, and National Coordinator, Alliance for National Unity Initiative, ANUI, has described the surrender as good news but with caution.
Matthew said ANUI conducted a forensic study and analysis of the video as posted by the bloody group said in sharp contrast to the well produced previous videos, the latest video had Shekau, who had not surfaced in about a year, in a dimly lit environment without the highly animated and exaggerated gesticulations of his previous propaganda clips should be watched carefully.
He said: Alliance for National Unity Initiative, ANUI, has critically examined the video purported to be of Nigeria’s most wanted terrorist and Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, urging his fighters to surrender is exciting Nigerians even as military authorities are reported to be studying the clip.
“Also several national newspapers have reported the surfacing of the grainy video in which a gaunt looking Shekau, who started speaking in Arabic before switching to Hausa, said ‘Nawa ya kare’ which loosely translates to “mine is finished” or “I am finished”.
This is really a pointer that the heat the military had pumped in the various camps of the insurgents had produced this result. Critically looking at the video there is sharp contrast to the well produced previous videos of Shekau talking and boasting, but this latest video had Shekau, who had not surfaced in about a year, in a dimly lit environment without the highly animated and exaggerated gesticulations of his previous propaganda clips.
“It added to the absence of usual boastful attitude in this video. The devastated looking Boko Haram leader only held onto the weapon in what could be a symbolic attempt to defend himself from likely resistance from his immediate fighters. There are suggestions that he may be planning an escape from his present hideout.
“His acknowledgement of the support by his followers is a sign of gratitude for standing by him all the while. Now that his own is finished, he can only pray for them.”
According to Matthew under the present administration, the Nigerian Army supported by the Air Force has sustained a successful onslaught on terrorists’ strongholds leading to several Boko Haram Amirs (Commanders) being killed by Nigerian troops.
The military has also disrupted the terror group’s logistics capturing many heavy weapons and vehicles.
“Without doubt, the Nigerian army has decimated the Boko Haram insurgents and there is little doubt that our gallant troops have dealt a heavy blow on the terrorists. Recently, the Nigerian army have arrested several wanted Boko Haram commanders and the new video of Shekau announcing a surrender, has long been expected.
“For some months now, the inability of the Boko Haram terrorists to carry out any major attack, something which was common in the last administration, showed that indeed their days were numbered.”
He also cautioned, “However, it is very important that the army and security agents do not let their guard down. As we have come to learn, there is political Boko Haram. There are many who are not happy that the military is winning the war. Our security agencies must keep watch on those who may try to radicalize our youths”, he stated.
