The United States has reacted to the news of the death of Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the Boko Haram sect on Thursday.
The United States while reacting to the news made it clear that the $7million bounty placed on Shekau, will not be given to the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The US said this via a tweet by its State Department Rewards for Justice Program.
“News reports today indicate that Boko Haram terrorist Abubakar Shekau blew himself up in a confrontation with ISIS affiliates.
“Hey, ISIS guys. To clarify: no – you are not eligible for the reward for information on his identity or location. That’s not how the program works,” it said.
The United States Department of State had placed a $7million bounty on Shekau’s head.
The Boko Haram leader was named a “specially designated global terrorist” on June 21, 2012, under executive order 13224.
On Thursday, reports emerged that Shekau had died dead after blowing up himself with a suicide vest, to avoid being captured by rival Islamic State-allied fighters.
However, the Nigerian Army said that it was probing the reports indicating that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau was “badly injured” or “dead”.