The leader of the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram might have been killed in a shoot-out with military forces, according to a report from Nigerian intelligence report.

There is no independent confirmation of Abubakar Shekau’s death, nor that of his deputy Momodu Bama.

But the intelligence report said Abubakar Shekau was shot on 30 June, during a military raid on a Boko Haram base at Sambisa Forest in Northeastern Nigeria.

“Shekau was mortally wounded in the encounter and was sneaked into Amitchide, a border community in Cameroon, for treatment.  It is greatly believed that Shekau might have died between 25 July to 3 August 2013,” Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa said.

Boko Haram, which literally means “western education is forbidden”, began its insurgency in 2009, and has only grown more brutal since Abubakar Shekau assumed leadership.