Boko Haram leader, Shekau reportedly dead Boko Haram leader, Shekau reportedly dead Abubakar Shekau, notorious Boko Haram’s leader reportedly committed suicide by blowing up himself during battle with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. AFP had earlier reported that Shekau was seriously injured when he shot himself in Sambisa Forest on Wednesday after his faction was surrounded by ISWAP fighters. He was said to have shot himself in the chest, but his followers managed to escape with him. But HumAngle online, noted for Boko Haram/ISWAP reports, said the wanted Boko Haram fighter died after he blew up himself.