Boko Haram leader says he’s still alive, not killed as claimed by Niger govt

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

The Nigerien Armed Forces on Friday announced that Bakoura and other top insurgent figures were eliminated in coordinated strikes carried out on August 15 in Korongol, Kournawa and Shilawa.

The military said the raids destroyed Boko Haram bases, killed dozens of fighters and removed high-ranking commanders.

Niger’s Head of State, Gen. Abdurahamane Tiani, had also identified Bakoura as one of the group’s key actors accused of plotting unrest in the country.

But in an intercepted message obtained by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, Bakoura dismissed the reports.

He acknowledged that the airstrikes happened but maintained that he survived the attack despite reports of his death spreading online.

“I saw the news of my killing on social media, as announced by Niger Republic The airstrikes did happen, but I am not among those who were killed,” Bakoura told his commanders.