Boko Haram leader, Bakoura, dismisses death claims

Boko Haram leader, Ibrahim Bakoura Doro, also known as Abu Oumaimah, has denied claims by the Nigerien government that he was killed during recent military operations in the Diffa region of Niger Republic.

The Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) had, on Friday, announced that Bakoura was eliminated alongside several insurgent commanders in precision airstrikes conducted on August 15 in Korongol, Kournawa, and Shilawa communities.

According to FAN, the strikes destroyed Boko Haram’s logistical bases, neutralised dozens of fighters and killed high-ranking commanders, including Bakoura, who was described as a central figure in the group’s hierarchy.

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The operation was hailed as a major breakthrough, with Niger’s Head of State, Gen. Abdurahamane Tiani, listing Bakoura among those allegedly involved in attempts to destabilise the country.

However, security sources disclosed that in an intercepted communication obtained on Saturday, Bakoura dismissed the report of his death as false.

The Boko Haram leader was quoted as telling his commanders that he saw the news of his “death” on social media, as announced by the Nigerien authorities and widely circulated by conflict analyst, Zagazola Makama.

While acknowledging that the airstrikes did occur, Bakoura insisted that he was not among those killed in the operation.