New Boko Haram commander issues threats to CDS, Muslim clerics

A Boko Haram commander, who claimed to be the new “Shekau,” has issued a series of threats against Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Muslim clerics, security operatives and communities supporting counter-insurgency operations.

The terror kingpin outburst appears to be a reaction to an earlier warning issued by General Musa, in which the CDS vowed that terrorists would either surrender or face total extermination by Nigerian troops.

In a recent video, the insurgent warned General Musa, urging him and the Nigerian Armed Forces to abandon their campaign against the group.

He claimed that, like his predecessors, Musa 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, saying: “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”.

The insurgent further declared war against all Nigerian soldiers, regardless of their faith.

“Every soldier who wears the uniform to defend democracy—whether Muslim or not—is our enemy, and we will fight them with all our strength.”

In the video, the militant also attempted to lure troops into defecting, portraying the military as a thankless job. “Please, repent and leave that job from which you barely feed. Come and follow us,” he urged.

He also issued warnings to Islamic clerics who publicly condemn Boko Haram’s extremist ideology, accusing them of misleading the public.

“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.”

Communities and traders who support the armed forces were not spared in the threats.

“Anyone aiding the military against us will be killed. They are unbelievers because they support democracy,” the terrorist asserted.

Meanwhile, security analysts believe the video is part of a psychological warfare campaign aimed at instilling fear, undermining morale, and challenging the resolve of both the security forces and the public in the ongoing war against terrorism.

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