The Nigerian Army has described the new video released by the Boko Haram terrorists as “mere terrorist propaganda.”

Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the sect, was heard in the video saying that they have not been flushed out of the Sambisa forest as claimed by the military.

Shekau said President Muhammadu Buhari should “stop lying to the people.”

“If you indeed crushed us, how can you see me like this? How many times have you killed us in your bogus death?” he asked.

“We are safe. We have not been flushed out of anywhere. And tactics and strategies cannot reveal our location except if Allah wills by his decree,” Shekau added.

However, the Army authorities in a statement maintained its stance that it “captured and occupied the last known stronghold of the terrorists group in the Sambisa forest,” adding that the said video clip will undergo “further forensic analysis” to ascertain its authenticity.

The statement read in part:“We would like to reassure the public that this video is nothing but mere terrorists propaganda aimed at creating fear in the mind of people and to remain relevant.

“Therefore, there is no cause for alarm, more so as concerted effort in clearing the vestiges of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hiding is still ongoing.

“Our gallant troops deployed in various parts of the north east have continued to intensify search for all persons associated with Boko Haram terrorist group with a view to bring them to justice.”

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari, on Christmas Eve had announced that troops of the Nigerian Army has captured the Sambisa forest, which is the final and major stronghold of the Boko Haram terrorists.

Army authorities also said that over 1000 terror suspects were arrested after the fall of Sambisa, while many others surrendered to troops of Niger Republic.

Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, also said that the army would convert the Sambisa forest into a training ground to make sure that the terrorists do not regroup to cause more havoc on Nigerians.