The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Mongonu (rtd) on Thursday disclosed that explosives experts dispatched to conduct investigations into the incessant bombing attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have uncovered the diversion of about 9, 000kg of high explosives and 16, 420 pieces of detonators for illegal use.

Boko Haram’s elusive leader Abubakar Shekau broke his silence Thursday to insist he was “still around” following reports Islamic State had replaced him, but his message fuelled talk of a split within the jihadist group. For months, speculation has been rife over the fate of Shekau, who has led the Nigeria-based Islamist group since 2009 but has not been heard from since March.

Boko Haram’s elusive leader Abubakar Shekau said in an audio message Thursday he is still around despite his reported ouster as head of the Nigeria-based jihadist group by the Islamic State (IS). “People should know we are still around. We will never cause any discord among the people, we will live by the Koran,” Shekau said in a 10-minute audio message.

The National Assembly Service Commission has confirmed Alhaji Mohammed Sani Omolori as the substantive Clerk of the National Assembly.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), says the announcement of a new Boko Haram leader is irrelevant and inconsequential to the military’s operation in the north east. The Director of Defence Information, DHQ, Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday that the military remained focused on its operation in the north east.