Boko Haram commander Ibrahim Bakoura Doro, also known as Abu Oumaimah, has publicly denied claims by the Nigerien government that he was killed during recent military operations in the Diffa region.
The Nigerien Armed Forces had announced on Friday that Bakoura was among several insurgent leaders eliminated in precision airstrikes conducted on August 15 in the areas of Korongol, Kournawa, and Shilawa.
According to military reports, the operation successfully destroyed multiple Boko Haram bases, neutralized dozens of fighters, and reportedly killed high-ranking commanders, with Bakoura specifically mentioned among the casualties.
Niger's Head of State, General Abdurahamane Tiani, had celebrated the operation as a significant breakthrough in the country's counter-terrorism efforts, describing Bakoura as a central figure in attempts to destabilize Niger.
However, security sources revealed on Saturday that they had intercepted communications in which Bakoura dismissed reports of his death. The Boko Haram leader reportedly informed his commanders that while the airstrikes did occur, he was not among those killed in the operation.
This development raises questions about the effectiveness of the recent military operations and the accuracy of intelligence used in targeting key insurgent figures in the region.
The Diffa region, located in southeastern Niger near the border with Nigeria, has long been a hotspot for Boko Haram activities, with the group conducting numerous cross-border raids and attacks against civilian and military targets.
Bakoura is considered one of the more prominent and dangerous commanders within the Boko Haram hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations in the Lake Chad Basin area where Niger, Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon converge.
Nigerien authorities have yet to respond to Bakoura's denial of his reported death. Military analysts suggest that confirmation of high-value target eliminations often requires multiple sources of verification beyond initial battlefield assessments.
Stay updated on this developing story by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
