The second in command of Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group waging war against the Nigerian military, has been killed according to Bloomberg News.
Just two days after the violent group vowed to launch more attacks throughout the country, Nigeria's Defense Military announced Wednesday high-ranking commander Momodu Bama was killed.
Chris Olukolade, spokesman for the Defense Military, said in an email that Bama was killed while clashing with security forces. The conflict also resulted in the death of Bama's father, Abatcha Flatari, and 17 other militants.
According to Bloomberg News, Olukolade said Bama's death was also confirmed by other terrorists. He claimed Bama "has been personally leading the attacks against troops and innocent citizens in the communities of Yobe and Adamawa." He was also "a specialist in manning the anti-aircraft guns of the group" and his father was "one of the spiritual guiding lights of the outlawed terrorists group."
There was a 25 million naira reward ($150,000) out for Bama, according to the statement.
In a recently emailed video from Boko Haram, primary leader Abubaker Shekau admitted to killing "countless soldiers" and threatened to kill more.
"A lot has been said against us: that we are finished, they have finished with us. All these are lies," Shekau said, according to Bloomberg News. "We are alive. Nobody killed us, and we shall continue to kill until Boko Haram is accepted by the people."
In order to counter Boko Haram's attacks, the Nigerian military began bombing their camps after President Goodluck Jonathan enacted the emergency rule earlier in May.
Boko Haram means "Western education is a sin" in the Hausa language. The group has has vowed to fight for Nigeria to become an Islamic state and is responsible for attacks throughout Nigeria since 2009, several of which have happened within the past two months. Nigeria is split between a Muslim north and Christian south.
