Nigeria: army announces death of local leader of Islamic State group
A Boko Haram flag (Illustrative image).
© AFP / STEPHANE YAS
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
A senior Nigerian army official confirmed this Thursday, October 14, the death of Abu-Musab al-Barnawi, the head of ISWAP - the Islamic State in West Africa.
Power struggles between jihadist groups have intensified since the death of Abubakar Shekau, the historic leader of Boko Haram, last May.
He had committed suicide during a clash with the men of the Islamic State, led by Abu-Musab al-Barnawi.
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With our correspondent in Lagos,
Liza Fabbian
It is one of the chiefs of staff of the Nigerian army who affirms "
with certainty
" that Abu-Musab al-Barnawi "
is dead and well dead
".
The soldier did not give more details, but it seems that the disappearance of the head of the Islamic State in West Africa actually dates back to the end of last August.
Son of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf, Abu-Musab al-Barnawi rose to power after the terrorist group split in 2016.
► To listen: Nigeria: "There is a shift of at least part of the troops from Shekau to Iswap"
Power struggle
In recent years, the Islamic State in West Africa, Iswap, has become the dominant jihadist faction in Nigeria.
In May, Abu Musab al-Barnawi himself announced the
death of his rival Abubakar Shekau, the historic leader of Boko Haram
.
If we do not know the exact causes of the death of Abu Musab al-Barnawi, we do know, on the other hand, that violent fighting took place until recently between the insurgents of Boko Haram and the men of Iswap, on the banks of the Lake Chad.
Proof that the power struggle between the two groups continues.
►
To listen: Nigeria: "This offensive by the EI group in the Sambisa forest is a novelty"
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Nigeria
Terrorism
EI
Boko Haram