Where Is Shekau? - Boko Haram Releases New Group Photographs To Mark Name Change

It can be recalled that in March, Islamic militants, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS, and since then, they haven't made any public appearance. BBC reported yesterday that they are now the new "Islamic State's West Africa Province". For the first time, Boko Haram has released the first images of their terror activities since pledging their allegiance to ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Unlike their previous method of releasing videos, they choose to release pictures without the presence of their leader, Abubakar Shekau. This is fueling reports that, their end is imminent.

According to their name change, they now refer to themselves as Wilayat al Sudan al Gharbi, which is commonly translated into English as the 'West African Province' of the Islamic State.

The release comes as the Nigerian military claims the insurgents have run out of ammunition and now use bow and arrows. Their stronghold, Sambisa forest was also invaded. However, according to report by Reuters, the military were forced to retreat after 3 vigilante members were killed by land mines.

'The soldiers have retreated to Bama because of mines. They had been on the road but that made them vulnerable, so they moved to the bush but there are mines planted there (too). Three of our boys were killed by a landmine as we progressed into Sambisa. We've suspended going farther,' Muhammad Mungonu, a member of a pro-government vigilante, told Reuters. 

Photo Credit: Dailymail