An audio message has emerged of
Nigerian-based Islamist militant group Boko Haram's leader Abubakar
Shekau, in which he denies he has been replaced.
In the message,
addressed to the leader of the Islamic State militant group to whom Boko
Haram has pledged allegiance, Mr Shekau said he was still in command.
He had not featured in the group's recent videos, prompting speculation he had been killed or incapacitated.
Last week the Chadian president said Mr Shekau had been replaced.
Mr Shekau described as "blatant lies" reports that he was no longer in charge.
"I am alive," he said, adding: "I will only die when the time appointed by Allah comes."
The
eight-minute-long recording mocked a recent statement by the new
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari that Boko Haram would be eliminated
within three months.
Horrific attacks
Mr Shekau took over as the group's leader after its founder, Muhammad Yusuf, died in Nigerian police custody in July 2009.
Under his leadership Boko Haram has become more radical and has carried out more killings.
In
numerous videos, Mr Shekau has taunted the Nigerian authorities,
celebrating the group's violent acts including the abduction of the more
than 200 Chibok schoolgirls in April 2014.
Last month, Mr Buhari
said he would be willing to negotiate with the Boko Haram leadership for
the release of the Chibok girls - depending on the credibility of those
saying they represented the group.
A previous prisoner-swap attempt ended in failure.
Although
momentum is gathering for a concerted regional offensive against the
group, Boko Haram continues to carry out horrific attacks, not only in
Nigeria but in its neighbours too, reports the BBC's Africa editor Mary
Harper.
Boko Haram at a glance
Founded in 2002, initially focused on
opposing Western-style education - Boko Haram means "Western education
is forbidden" in the Hausa language
Launched military operations in 2009
Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria, abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls
Joined Islamic State, now calls itself "West African province"
Seized large area in north-east, where it declared caliphate
Regional force has retaken most territory this year
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