I’m ready to lead troops to where Shekau is hiding, says ex-Boko Haram commander

Abdulkadir Abubakar, a former Boko Haram commander, has said he’s ready to help the military facilitate the arrest of Abubakar Shekau.

He said two factions of the insurgent group are ready to cooperate with the federal government to defeat Shekau.

The Boko Haram commander was arrested by the military in Gujba local government area of Yobe state in June.


Speaking from his cell, he told NAN that the Albarnawi and Mamman Nur factions were willing to hold talks with the government to achieve peace.

“Shekau is not willing to surrender due to his high handedness. Unfortunately, the government and military authorities accorded priority on dealing with Shekau, who is blood thirsty,” he said.
“Albarnawi has indicated interest to dialogue with the government to end insurgency and provide a lasting solution to the crisis.

“Albarnawi discusses this with members of his circle. And I can assure the government that he would cooperate to achieve peace.The two factions are willing to cooperate with Nigerian government to defeat Shekau.”

He said he was working with the military in providing information on the whereabouts of Shekau.
“I am co-operating with the military and I am ready to provide information on the whereabouts of Shekau. Shekau has left his enclave in Sambisa and moved deep into Mandara Mountain. I know the area where he is hiding and willing to provide a guide to the military,” said the insurgent commander who’s also known as Abu Muhammad.

“The intensified military offensive has weakened Shekau’s position and that of the other groups.”
The former chief intelligence officer of Boko Haram explained that during the early days of the insurgency, they fought to “establish a caliphate where human beings are valued, cherished and respected.

“After annexing vast territories, Shekau began to demonstrate his cruelty and atrocities against humanity.
“In view of the high level atrocities committed by the group, some of the top commanders including myself, Albarnawi and Mamman Nur challenged Shekau, demanding an immediate end to the ugly saga.

“Thereafter, Albarnawi and Mamman Nur parted ways, and formed their groups. Shekau is responsible for suicide bombings and attack on soft targets in the north-east.
“The Albarnawi and Mamman Nur groups never attacked schools, religious places of worship, markets, women and children. Our fight was strictly with security forces. Even the kidnapped oil workers would not be killed by the group.

“Shekau is fond of using the girls and other abducted women as sex toys, and suicide bombers. He kills on the pretence of punishing for lies, theft, and rebellion. Shekau kills without justification.
“Shekau arrogated to himself the powers to accuse, prosecute, convict and punish in total contradiction to Islamic teaching. Children and women also starved to death in Sambisa due to  Shekau’s cruelty.”

He added that both Mamman Nur and AlBarnawi opposed the abduction of women, children, and the Chibok school girls.