Nigerian military confirms death of ISWAP leader, Al-Barnawi

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Lucky Irabor, has confirmed the killing of the leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi.

Irabor confirmed the death of the terrorist leader on Thursday during the ministerial briefing organised by the presidential communications team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“I can authoritatively confirm to you that Abu Musab is dead. As simple as that. He is dead and remains dead,” Irabo said.

Born Habib Yusuf, Mr Al-Barnawi was the son of Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf who was also killed in 2009 by the police in the formative days of the sect.

In 2016, the Islamic State, IS militant group announced Al-Barnawi as the leader of its West African affiliate, Boko Haram, which was hitherto led by Abubakar Shekau.

The crack over the leadership lead to the death of Mr Shekau on May 19, 2021 in Sambisa forest.