(CNN) The Nigerian army says it is looking into reports that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has died after blowing himself up to avoid being captured by a rival group. There were multiple reports across Nigerian media Thursday claiming that he had died by suicide rather than be taken alive following clashes with a rival group. Other reports by international news outlets suggested he was either dead or badly wounded. However, it is not the first time that Shekau has been declared dead, only for him to later resurface in videos taunting his detractors. Nigerian Army spokesman Mohammed Yerima told CNN via a text message that the military is "still investigating" Shekau's reported death.

Source: CNN May 21, 2021 08:49 UTC