A self-proclaimed Boko Haram Commander, claiming to be the new Shekau, has issued a series of grave threats against Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Muslim clerics, security personnel, and communities supporting the government’s counter-insurgency operations.
The outburst appears to be a response to an earlier warning by Musa in Hausa language, where he told terrorists to surrender or face total annihilation.
In a newly released video obtained and translated from Hausa to English by PRNigeria, the insurgent directed a chilling message at General Musa, urging him and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to abandon their campaign against the group.
Shekau claimed that, like his predecessors, Musa would not succeed in defeating Boko Haram.
He declared: “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.
“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.”
Shekau went on to cite the perceived failures of former military leaders: “TY Buratai came and gave it his all without success.
“General (Ibrahim) Attahiru and General (Tarred) 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.
He said: “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.
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“Please, repent and leave that job from which you barely feed. Come and follow us,” he urged.
Shekau also issued warnings to Islamic clerics who publicly condemn Boko Haram’s extremist ideology, accusing them of misleading the public.
He said: “Muslim scholars who give sermons and try to confuse people by claiming we don’t follow the right religion should beware.
“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.
He said: “Anyone aiding the military against us will be killed.
“They are unbelievers because they support democracy.”
The video has sparked renewed concerns over Boko Haram’s propaganda machinery and recruitment strategies, especially at a time when the Nigerian military is intensifying its operations across the North East and other troubled regions.
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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