Boko Haram leader 'fatally wounded' in army air strike

In a recent development, the Nigerian Air Force conducted a successful airstrike targeting senior members of the extremist group Boko Haram. The strike is believed to have potentially fatally wounded the sect's leader, Abubakar Shekau. This significant operation has sparked discussions and raised questions about the impact on the insurgent group and the safety of the vulnerable individuals caught in the crossfire. Joining CNBC Africa to provide insights on this crucial event is Tanwa Ashiru, a renowned security expert and the founder of Bulwark Intelligence. As Tanwa Ashiru highlighted, the military's history of previous claims surrounding Shekau's demise necessitates caution in confirming his fate. Despite past instances where Shekau resurfaced after reported deaths, the potential elimination of the leader and key commanders is viewed as a positive development. Shekau's presence has fueled Boko Haram's activities, including recent orders for new attacks in the northeast region. If the airstrike proves to be successful in neutralizing Shekau, it could significantly weaken the group's operations. When discussing the Nigerian military's methods for confirming casualties after raids on Boko Haram, Ashiru emphasized the importance of human intelligence. By leveraging informants on the ground and intelligence reports, the military identifies targets and assesses the impact of airstrikes. Additionally, monitoring insurgent chatter post-strike serves as a secondary confirmation method. The reliance on human intelligence underscores the challenges in verifying outcomes solely through communication intercepts. The potential risks of collateral damage and the safety of civilians, particularly the abducted Chibok girls, are key considerations in military operations against Boko Haram. Ashiru acknowledged the longstanding concerns regarding rescuing the abducted girls, balancing the urgency of intervention with the potential for civilian casualties. During airstrikes, the military focuses on distinguishing between combatant Boko Haram members and non-combatants, such as women and children. The identification of male fighters engaged in specific activities informed the recent airstrike, minimizing the risk to non-combatants. Concerns persist regarding the aftermath of Shekau's potential incapacitation and the implications for the abducted Chibok girls. As the situation evolves, the Nigerian military faces a critical juncture in leveraging the disruption within Boko Haram to rescue the captives. The successful airstrike represents a significant blow to the extremist group, offering a window of opportunity for strategic interventions in the region.