New Boko Haram Leader threatens Chief of Defence Staff General Musa, others
New Boko Haram Leader threatens Chief of Defence Staff General Musa, others
A man claiming to be a new Boko Haram commander and referring to himself as the new “Shekau” has issued serious threats against Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as well as Muslim clerics, security forces, and communities aligned with the government’s fight against insurgency.
His threats appear to be a direct response to an earlier statement by General Musa, who, speaking in Hausa, warned that terrorists must either surrender or be wiped out by the Nigerian military.
In a recently released video, translated from Hausa by PRNigeria, the self-declared commander delivered a menacing message to General Musa, urging him and the military to abandon their anti-insurgency efforts.
He warned that Musa, like others before him, would not succeed in defeating Boko Haram.
“This message is for the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. We call on you to repent and cease your actions, for you will not succeed against those of us fighting your government,” the insurgent declared. “You will face dire consequences and regret your attempts to defeat us. Peace can only be achieved by abandoning democracy and embracing a new way of life.”
He went on to cite the perceived failures of former military leaders. “TY Buratai came and gave it his all without success. General Attahiru and General Lagbaja also came and didn’t last long. The same fate awaits you and your men,” he threatened.
The insurgent went on to declare open war against all Nigerian soldiers, stating that their religion made no difference. “Any soldier who wears the uniform to defend democracy—Muslim or not—is our enemy, and we will fight them with everything we have,” he said.
In the same video, he attempted to sway military personnel to abandon their posts, describing their service as unrewarding. “Repent and quit that job that can barely feed you. Join us instead,” he urged.
He also issued threats against Islamic clerics who speak out against Boko Haram’s ideology, accusing them of deceiving the public and betraying the faith.
“Muslim scholars who give sermons and try to confuse people by claiming we don’t follow the right religion should beware,” he said.
“We call on you to join us. If you refuse, know that we won’t force you—but if you defame us, we will crush you.”
The insurgent also targeted local communities and traders who collaborate with the military, warning that anyone offering support to the armed forces would be marked for death.
“Those who help the military are infidels because they support democracy, and they will be killed,” he declared.
The release of the video has raised fresh alarm over Boko Haram’s use of propaganda to intimidate and recruit, particularly as the Nigerian military steps up its counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East and other conflict zones.
According to security experts, the video forms part of a broader psychological warfare strategy designed to spread fear, weaken public confidence, and erode the morale of both security personnel and civilians in the fight against terrorism.
