Islamic militants group, Boko Haram’s leader, has been reported dead or seriously injured.
International and local media reports in Nigeria say Abubakar Shekau, is feared dead.
Reports by BBC, AFPÂ and other International media outlets monitored indicated that the Nigerian Army is investigating his death or serious injury.
The Nigerian Army has noted that it is investigating reports that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has either died or was seriously injured during a clash with a splinter group, the Islamic State in West African Province (Iswap), a report by BBC said.
Multiple local media reports monitored in Nigeria had earlier cited two intelligence sources as confirming his injury.
Reports say the incident occurred after Boko Haram fighters clashed with rival Islamic State-allied jihadis.
Shekau’s Boko Haram faction and fighters from ISWAP have been vying for supremacy in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, according to reports.
His faction has been weakened by military airstrikes on its bases and defections, reports revealed.
Shekau made global headlines in 2014 following the abduction of about 300 schoolgirls in Chibok.
The Boko Haram insurgence began in 2009 and has remained deadly ever since.
This is not the first time Shekau has been reported killed. But the militant leader resurfaced each time.
Nigeria’s Army spokesman, Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima, is reported to have told the BBC that the army was still looking into what may have happened, but will not issue a statement until it gets definite proof.
By Melvin Tarlue