Boko Haram warlord responsible for schoolgirl kidnappings dies

Shekau is credited with transforming Boko Haram from a small radical sect into a powerful Islamist terror group. He gained worldwide attention when, under his control, Boko Haram kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls in Nigeria.

This is not the first time reports of his death have been brought up. According to the Washington Post, "the Nigerian military and regional forces have declared Shekau dead at least four times since 2009."

This time, reports The Post, it appears as though Shekau is actually gone for good. He is reported to have "detonated explosives that killed him Wednesday when fighters with the Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, tried to capture him in his Sambisa Forest hideout." Some are saying he may only be injured, but it is unlikely one would survive such an event.

The Nigerian military is currently investigating, and will release a statement as soon as more evidence is released.