Boko Haram Decapitates Pilot On Video
ISIS is known for their violent videos depicting the decapitation of hostages. Boko Haram hasn’t been known to release that kind of video until recently.
Boko Haram has committed a great many atrocities in Nigeria, but most of their videos have been more about spreading propaganda than showing their first hand brutality.
On August 24, Boko Haram released a video. The footage showed Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, making a declaration. Saharatv, the YouTube user that shared the video, was unable to share the entire footage.
According to the blurb they posted describing the footage, “The video shows capture of the armory of Nigerian troops, massacre of civilians and troops abandoning their post and running for their lives in Gwoza. SaharaReporters could not show that last 10 minutes of the video because it contains gruesome images committed by Boko Haram militants against innocent civilians in Gwoza.”
This week, another video was released.
Boko Haram can be seen, in the video, interrogating a pilot from the Nigerian Air Force. Identified as Umar Abubakar, the pilot gave some information about himself, including the fact that he was a member of Section 9 and engaged in counter-insurgency measures against Boko Haram.
“So you were sent to kill Boko Haram? And you are serving the state instead of Allah? We are members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad and Allah has given us an infidel today,” one of the Boko Haram fighters said.
When Umar Abubakar attempted to tell them that he was a Muslim of Jama’atu Izalal extraction, the Boko Haram insurgents responded, “No amount of prayers will save you, we will judge you according to the Quran.”
After that, the group of Boko Haram jihadists began to chant “Allahuakubar” as they proceed to decapitate the pilot with a knife. A semi-censored video can be found on LiveLeak. Please be aware that, even blurred, it is incredibly graphic and difficult to watch.
Although Boko Haram doesn’t seem to have a direct connection to ISIS, they may be emulating their video use in order to attract attention.
There has been some success in pushing Boko Haram back after the Nigerian military prevented the take-over of Konduga, a city near Maiduguri. Unfortunately, many towns and villages still remain under Boko Haram control.
Boko Haram recently changed tactics. Instead of hitting a town and then running, they are now working on trying to hold towns and cities under their control.
