ICC Note:

Boko Haram responded to the Nigerian government’s recent claim that they had driven Boko Haram from their last stronghold. Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram’s leader, released a video declaring their militants were safe and that they had not been driven away from any position. The video has not been confirmed, but it reiterates that the fight between Boko Haram and Nigeria is not over. In the meantime, Christians remain especially vulnerable in the chaotic struggles between the government and insurgents to surprise attacks.  

12/29/2016 Nigeria (Africa News) – Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has dismissed claims by the Nigerian government that the group has been driven out of its stronghold in the Sambisa forest in the northeast of the country.

In a 25-minute video released on Thursday, healthy-looking Shekau surrounded by hooded and armed fighters accused the government of telling lies to the people.

“We are safe, we have not been driven out of nowhere, and tactics and strategies cannot reveal our position unless Allah wills,” Shekau said, adding: “you should not lie to people, if you have crushed us, how can you see me like that. How many times have you killed us?”

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