by Anike Jacobs

Boko Haram yesterday released a new video, obtained by AFP which showed her militants celebrating on an armoured vehicle in an unidentified town they apparently control.

The 44 minute video also showed the group’s leader Abubakar Shekau preaching to locals.

“To everyone living in Islamic Caliphate, we convey our greetings,” he said, specifically mentioning “brethren” in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Shishan (an Islamist term for Chechnya), Yemen, Somalia and “the Caliphate in Iraq and Syria.”

Shekau, who is pictured in closeup shots with rare clarity, again dismisses government claims about ceasefire talks.

The video, which was delivered through the same channels as past messages, shows armed men lined along a well-paved road, with three pick-up trucks bristling with heavy weapons also visible.

Black, crested flags associated with the Islamist group are also shown.

Later, an armoured vehicle rolls down the road lined with both fighters and individuals who appear to be residents of the town.

You can watch video HERE

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