BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY
Abubakar Shekau
| Abubakar Shekau | |
|---|---|
| Born |  Niger |
| Ethnicity | Kanuri |
| Known for | Emir of Boko Haram |
| Religion | Salafi Islam |
| Abubakar Shekau | |
|---|---|
| Preceded by | Mohammed Yusuf |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Boko Haram |
| Battles/wars | Nigerian Sharia conflict 2009 Nigerian sectarian violence |
Abubakar Shekau, also known by the alias Darul Tawheed ("the abode of monotheism") (Arabic: دار التوحيد), is an Islamist leader of the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.[1][2] He served as deputy leader to the group's founder, Mohammed Yusuf, until Yusuf was killed in 2009. Nigerian authorities believed that Shekau was killed in 2009 during clashes between security forces and Boko Haram until July 2010 when he appeared in a video claiming leadership of the group.[2]
Profile
Shekau is an ethnic Kanuri but also speaks Hausa, Arabic, and English.[3] Shekau claims to be an intellectual and theologian who studied Islam "under a traditional cleric."[4][5]
In videos Shekau posted online, he often boasted about his invincibility, mocked various armies and stated that he "cannot be stopped" and "cannot die except by the will ofAllah". He also boasted about being in possession of armoured tanks and other combat vehicles. He frequently spoke about the Quran in his online videos.[6]
In June 2012 the United States Department of State designated Shekau as a terrorist and effectively froze any of his assets in the United States.[7]
Since June 2013,[8] the U.S. State Department has a standing reward of US$7 million for information leading to Shekau's capture through its Rewards for Justice program.[9] The Nigerian army has additionally offered a ₦50 million reward (approximately US$300,000) for Shekau.[10]
Shekau survived being shot in the leg during an attempt on his life by Nigerian security forces.[2] He took credit for the kidnapping of over 200 school girls in April 2014.[5] After his near death, he increased his violent attacks.[5] Shekau also announced that the kidnapped girls have been converted to Islam.[11] He had claimed to be waging a jihad against Christianity.[12] His online videos frequently depict anti-American rhetoric and he had made multiple threats to attack the U.S.[13]
Personal life
Shekau was born in the Republic of Niger, although it has also been claimed that he was born in Shekau village in Yobe State of Nigeria. It is unclear how old he is with speculation suggesting he is 34 or 35; some have said he is 43 years old.[4] He has married one of Muhammad Yusuf's four wives.[4]
His nickname is “Darul Tawheed”, which translates as a specialist in Tawheed, the Islamic concept of oneness of Allah.[4]
Reports of Death
Shekau was reported to have been killed by the Nigerian army during the Battle of Kodunga that lasted between September 12 and 14th 2014.[14] The Nigerian army also dismissed claims by the Cameroonian military that their forces killed Shekau.[15][16][17] However in early October 2014, a video was obtained by AFP news agency that showed Shekau alive, in which he mocked the Nigerian military's allegations that he had been killed.[18][19]
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