Nigerian Military Closing In On B'Haram Leader, Shekau

The Nigerian military is fast closing in on the dreaded leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau.

Intelligence sources disclosed to THISDAY that Shekau had been cornered but could not yet be taken out because of the use of captured girls, women and children as shield by him.

A top intelligence source, who doesn't want to give more details because of the sensitive nature of the operation, noted that "Shekau's operational areas had been depleted and the military are ever closer to locating him".

"The military knows where he is but the truth is that he is using some of the captives as shield," the source said.

Meanwhile, Western forces in the Lake Chad region are said to have avoided confrontation with the insurgents.

The AFP reported yesterday that Canadian Special Forces participating in military training in southeast Niger, near the border with Nigeria, were ordered to withdraw recently to avoid fighting Boko Haram.

According to the report, the troops had been posted to the town of Diffa, where the government of Niger declared a state of emergency on February 11 following attacks in the region that borders Boko Haram's stronghold in Northeast Nigeria.

The Canadians, it noted, were participating in US-sponsored counter-terrorism training that started on February 16 and due to end on March 9.

The annual programme has 1,300 troops from 19 countries training militaries in five African countries in shooting, movement, communications, and mission planning.

Dominique Tessier from Canada's defense department did not say how many Canadians were at risk of confrontation with Boko Haram, but noted in an email to AFP that "several members" were relocated from Diffa to other areas such as Agadez and Niamey in Niger and N'Djamena in Chad "due to security issues."

"This was seen as a prudent measure given the current security situation in the region," Tessier said, adding the exercise continues.

The Canadian Special Forces also stand ready to provide humanitarian or other assistance, should Ottawa decide to offer help, Tessier said.