 The Islamic State of West Africa province, Iswap, said in an audio recording that Abu Bakr Sheqal, leader of rival Nigerian militant Islamist group Boko Haram, was dead. Sheqal died around May 18 after detonating an explosive device when he was pursued by Iswap fighters following a battle. A person purported to be Iswap leader Abu Musab al-Banawi said on the audio recording. Sheqal's death could lead to an end of a violent rivalry between the two groups, enabling Islamic State of West Africa province Iswap to absorb Boko Haram fighters.