Shekau absent in new Boko Haram video?

Abubakar Shekau, the dreaded leader of Boko Haram terrorist group was conspicuously absent in the groups latest eight-minute video.

Shekau had also been absent in a Boko Haram video released earlier in June. In March, 2015, the group released an audio message, pledging allegiance to Islamic State (IS) and that was the last time his voice was heard. 

He has been  absent in subsequent releases by the group and his continued absence has increased speculations about the possibility of his death. 

In Boko Haram's latest video, an unidentified member speaking with a Kanuri accent replaced Shekau, claiming “We are still present everywhere we had been before.” 

The video also showed the insurgents attacking a security checkpoint, seizing weapons, and slitting the throat of a man dressed in police uniform.

Reports about Shekau's death in the past have repeatedly proven to be false however. 

Lately, military efforts have intensified, with the military recording successive victories over the insurgents as the Multinational Joint Task Force gears up to deal decisively with the terrorists and crush the sect. 

So the question is "Where is Shekau?" Are we getting close to the end of the six year insurgency?