Boko Haram Leader, Shekau, Flees Mali as French Forces Advance

Boko Haram Leader, Shekau, Flees Mali as French Forces Advance

Intelligence sources have revealed that Abubakar Shekau, leader if the Islamic terrorist sect, Boko Haram, has fled Gao in Mali as French forces advance into the town.

After a night of bombing by French fighter jets and helicopters, ground forces comprising French Special Forces and Malian soldiers have taken the town of Gao which was an enclave of the Islamist forces controlling the airport and other vital public assets killing many if the Islamists in the assault.

According to anonymous intelligence sources Shekau may have escaped to Niger.

Last year Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, closed Nigeria's borders with Niger. Shekau's likely escape to Niger vindicates that action.

It is strongly suspected that Nigeria's forces in Mali were sent there in part to hunt Shekau down.

Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, had faulted Nigeria's involvement in Mali saying that it may be perceived as an attack on Islam.