Boko Haram leader Bakoura denies report of his death in Niger airstrikes
By: Zagazola Makama
Boko Haram Leader, Ibrahim Bakoura Doro, alias Abu Oumaimah, has denied reports by the Government of Niger Republic that he was killed in recent military operations in the country’s Diffa region.
The Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) had, on Friday, announced that Bakoura was eliminated alongside several insurgent commanders during precision airstrikes carried out on Aug. 15 in Korongol, Kournawa and Shilawa.
The strikes, according to FAN, destroyed Boko Haram logistical bases, neutralised dozens of fighters and eliminated high-ranking commanders, including Bakoura, described as a central figure in the group’s hierarchy.
The operation was celebrated as a major success, with Niger’s Head of State, Gen. Abdurahamane Tiani, identifying Bakoura as one of the key actors allegedly involved in attempts to destabilise the country.
However, in an intercepted communication obtained by sources on Saturday , Bakoura dismissed the report of his death as false.
He was heard telling his commanders that he saw the news of his “killing” on social media, as announced by Niger Republic and circulated by conflict analyst Zagazola Makama.
While admitting that the airstrikes indeed took place, he insisted that he was not among those killed.
