Boko Haram releases new video reaffirming Isis alliance

A Nigerian policeman stands beside a damaged car in Nyanya, near Abuja, on October 3, 2015, after two bomb blasts ripped through the outskirts of Nigeria’s capital Abuja and left at least 15 people dead and 41 wounded, the National Emergency Management Agency said. AFP PHOTO/STRINGER (Photo credit should read STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images)

Nigerian terror group Boko Haram has released a new video claiming it has not been affected by an ongoing regional offensive aimed at curbing terrorism. The footage shows an unidentified man reaffirming the allegiance with Islamic State (Isis) and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The man, who spoke in Hausa and in Arabic, denied the militants are surrendering to the Nigerian army, contrary to what the military had claimed. The militant also denied troops freed women and children kidnapped by the terrorists, known for abducting civilians and forcing them to carry out suicide bombings, according to the BBC.

A picture from the latest video released by Boko Haram

According to David Otto, CEO of UK-based global security provider TGS Intelligence Consultants, Boko Haram timed the video to be published as the government’s claims of successful anti-terrorism operations are increasing.

“This video will give confidence to its supporters and militants scattered around Nigeria and neighbouring states that the group is still alive and well and that the military pronouncements is propaganda only,” he told IBTimes UK.

“The absence of [the group’s leader, Abubakar] Shekau is equally significant. We cannot rule out the possibility that he is no longer alive, but the most crucial point is that Shakau wants the world to believe that the recent allegiance between Boko Haram and IS means that he is no longer the National Emir as before.”

Otto also suggested that the fact the Boko Haram reiterated its allegiance to IS might mean the group is calling for its assistance. “The continuous paying of allegiance in recent videos may be a tactic to call for IS action rather than just verbal acceptance of allegiance by IS leaders,” he said.

“At a time when the military is putting huge pressure on the stability of the sect and its militants captured in hundreds, reaffirming allegiance could be a call for help in arms, militants, finance or put simply, begging for IS intervention. This video should be seen as a sign of weakness of Boko Haram/Iswap and it is the right time for the military to keep their feet on the pursue pedal.”

Nigeria is leading a new task force against Boko Haram – consisting of 8,700 troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin – which is believed to have scored some successes, such as the recapture of a key town in Borno.

In September, the Nigerian government alleged Boko Haram was surrendering, while the group said in an audio message that claims made by government and army are false.

The person heard speaking in the audio is believed to be Shekau, who is rumoured to have been replaced due to his repeated absence from the group’s videos. In August, Chad’s President Idriss Deby alleged Mahamat Daoud had replaced Shekau as the leader of Boko Haram. Shortly after, Shekau released an audio message denying the claim.

Some analysts have also alleged that since the group pledged allegiance to IS, Shekau has stepped aside as Boko Haram now takes orders from IS leaders.

IBTimes