New Boko Haram Leader Emerges, Threatens Defence Chief and Clerics
Boko Haram Issues Threats in Response to Military Chief’s Warning
A newly emerged Boko Haram commander has issued chilling threats targeting Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, along with military personnel, Muslim clerics, and civilians seen as allies of the government.
In a video obtained and translated from Hausa by PRNigeria, the militant leader responded directly to General Musa’s recent statement—made in Hausa—warning that insurgents must either surrender or face annihilation by Nigerian forces.
The terrorist said:
“This message is for General Christopher Musa. Repent and abandon your mission. Like those before you—Buratai, Attahiru, Lagbaja—you will not succeed. You will regret your efforts against us. There will be no peace until democracy ends.”
He expanded the threat to all members of the Nigerian military, stating:
“Every soldier who defends democracy is our enemy. Whether you’re Christian or Muslim, wearing that uniform makes you a target.”
He also vowed violence against civilians who collaborate with the military:
“Anyone aiding the Nigerian military will be killed. Supporting democracy makes you an infidel.”
Propaganda and Psychological Warfare
Security experts have labeled the video as a calculated propaganda effort meant to erode public morale and destabilize the military from within.
“This is classic psychological warfare,” said one military intelligence source. “They want to weaken community trust and encourage defections.”
The insurgent even urged soldiers to abandon their duties, painting military service as a “thankless job” and inviting them to join the extremist group:
“You can barely feed your families. Leave that job. Come follow us.”
He also threatened Muslim scholars who publicly denounce Boko Haram’s ideology:
“To the clerics misleading the people and calling us unbelievers—if you defame us, we will retaliate.”
Military Response and Context
Although the Nigerian Armed Forces have yet to release an official response to this specific video, past military leaderships have routinely dismissed such messages as signs of Boko Haram’s desperation, not strength.
General Musa has reiterated the armed forces’ resolve to crush terrorism in all forms.
Boko Haram is officially designated a terrorist organization by Nigeria, the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and other international bodies.
The group has been responsible for mass killings, abductions, and attacks on civilians, religious leaders, and security personnel across West Africa.
New Boko Haram Leader Emerges, Threatens Defence Chief and Clerics