The Nigerian Army says credible information indicates that factional leader of the Boko Haram sect , Abubakar Shekau , now dresses as a woman in an effort to escape from the Theatre of Operation .
Army Spokesman , Brig . – Gen . Sani Usman, who confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday , said Shekau could no longer bear the heat and had abandoned his followers .
“ He is running for his dear life . He is desperately trying to escape the theatre , disguised as a woman and dressed in Hijab.
“We reliably gathered that to avoid detection, Abubakar Shekau alternates between blue and black coloured hijabs . He was last seen in a black hijab.
“ We, therefore, call on all those remaining Boko Haram terrorists to know that they are following a coward moving about in hijab and disguising as a woman.
“ We also request all the remaining Boko Haram members to come out from hiding and lay down their arms and be treated humanely, ’’ Usman said .
He said concerted efforts were ongoing to track and apprehend the fugitive terrorist leader.
The army spokesman , therefore , appealed to members of the public , especially the residents of Adamawa , Borno and Yobe States to be more vigilant and security conscious .
He also asked them to be on the lookout for Shekau and other terrorists who might disguise as women to escape.
(NAN )