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Boko Haram leader says in video he's still alive

It was the third time Abubakar Shekau was reported killed.

By Ed Adamczyk

ABUJA, Nigeria, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau appeared in a new propaganda video released Thursday, dismissing Nigerian army claims he was killed last week.

It was the third time he was reported killed in fighting between the military and his Islamist militant group. Nigerian journalist Ahmad Salkida, who has contacts within Boko Haram, noted last week "on authority that Shekau is alive and well."

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"Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath," Shekau says in the video.

Previous declarations of his death have been followed by similar videos.

The Nigerian army said on Sept. 24 a man who posed in videos as Shekau's double was killed by troops near the Nigerian border with Cameroon, and that Shekau was previously killed. Because of the army report, 130 Boko Haram militants surrendered to authorities. The army's claim has had its doubters, including U.S. military analysts, some of whom believe a number of Boko Haram leaders are now referring to themselves by Shekau's name.

Boko Haram has embarked on an anti-Western reign of terror in Nigeria, capturing towns and attempting to establish an Islamic caliphate.

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