ISIS Announces New Leader For Boko Haram To Replace Abubakar Shekau

The so-called Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist group has announced a new leader for its West African branch, popularly known as Boko Haram. The latest issue of an IS magazine featured what it called its first interview with Abu Musab al-Barnawi, who replaces the eccentric Abubakar Shekau.

In a video clip released in January 2015, Mr al-Barnawi described himself as the spokesman for Boko Haram. This was before the Nigeria-based jihadist group pledged allegiance to IS.

Now IS says he has replaced Mr Shekau, who has not made a verified appearance in propaganda production since August 2015.