Boko Haram leader dismisses Nigeria's claims of 'crushing' the group

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has dismissed claims by the Nigerian government that the group has been driven out of its stronghold in the Sambisa forest in the northeast of the country.

In a 25-minute video released on Thursday, healthy-looking Shekau surrounded by hooded and armed fighters accused the government of telling lies to the people.

“We are safe, we have not been driven out of nowhere, and tactics and strategies cannot reveal our position unless Allah wills,” Shekau said, adding: “you should not lie to people, if you have crushed us, how can you see me like that. How many times have you killed us?”

The Boko Haram leader was emphatic about the group’s goal to establish an Islamic caliphate while stating that the war is not over.

“Your soldiers want a break, so they said they finished the job,” Shekau said in the video which he says was recorded on December 25.

Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari announced on December 24 that the army had crushed the terrorist group in the Sambisa forest located in the Borno State after months of armed operations.