The Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist group has announced a new leader for its West African branch, popularly known as Boko Haram. The latest issue of an IS magazine featured what it called its first interview with Abu Musab al-Barnawi, who replaces the eccentric Abubakar Shekau.

In a video clip released in January 2015, Mr al-Barnawi described himself as the spokesman for Boko Haram. This was before the Nigeria-based jihadist group pledged allegiance to IS.

Now IS says he has replaced Mr Shekau, who has not made a verified appearance in propaganda production since August 2015.

FG dismisses reported appointment of new leader for Boko Haram as cheap propaganda

However, the Nigerian government has described as cheap propaganda the report that ISIS has appointed a new leader for Boko Haram, saying it is too late to employ such tactics to revive the defeated Nigerian terrorist organization.

”By the way, don’t believe the cheap propaganda by the global terrorist group ISIS, which has reportedly named a new leader for Boko Haram. Our gallant military has put Boko Haram on the run and nothing will bring back the terrorists, not even the wishful thinking by ISIS,” the Minister said in his remarks at the ongoing All Nigerian

Conference of Editors (ANEC) 2016 in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

According to reports, ISIS, to which Boko Haram is affiliated, has named Abu Musab Al-Barnawi as the new leader of Boko Haram.