Boko Haram’s top commander, Ibrahim Bakoura Doro, popularly known as Abu Oumaimah, has refuted reports by the Nigerien government that he was killed during recent military airstrikes in the Diffa region of Niger Republic.
On Friday, the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) announced that Bakoura, along with several insurgent commanders, was killed in precision airstrikes carried out on August 15 in the communities of Korongol, Kournawa, and Shilawa.
FAN revealed that 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.”
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.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, security sources revealed that an intercepted communication obtained on Saturday showed Bakoura dismissing reports of his death as untrue. He reportedly told his commanders that he had seen the news of his supposed death circulating on social media, following announcements by the Nigerien authorities and conflict analyst Zagazola Makama.
Although he admitted that the military airstrikes took place, Bakoura maintained that he was not among those killed during the operation, rejecting claims of his elimination.
