Revealed: Boko Haram leader Shekau leaves behind 83 concubines

The revelation that Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram, left behind 83 concubines upon his death gives an insight into his life in Sambisa Forest.

Shekau had made the Forest his redoubt, where he, his numerous concubines and fighters were holed up.

He is said to have killed himself during a fierce battle between his group and fighters of rival terrorist organisation, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The expose on how Shekau kept numerous women, many of whom might have been kidnapped from their homes and communities, was given by some of his erstwhile commanders.

The former fighters are said to have surrendered to the Nigerian counter-insurgency troops.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Saturday, Brig Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq (rtd), the special adviser to Borno State governor on Security, said that some associates of the late Shakau told him about the women.

“We started this non-kinetic approach 16th months ago, the model started shortly after the death of Abubakar Shekau and the state government didn’t want Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) to continue using the Shekau’s fighters; we know it would be deadly.

“So, the first of fighter that I received in Bama told me that Shekau had 83 concubines, just imagine he left behind 83 concubines.

“They said he is now in hell because he committed suicide during his clash with other fraction. He always told them go out and fights, if they die in the process several virgins are waiting for them,” he said.

He added that many fighters regretted their actions, saying Shekau misled them. Ishaq also said that many of the fighters did not know how to perform  ablution.

He said, “Let me say this, many of his commanders were bitter after he committed suicide because that act contradict what he preached.

“I can tell you that many of these fighters don’t know how to perform simple ablution not to talk of how to do prayers. We had to start teaching them after we brought them to Maiduguri.” Ishaq said.