Ibrahim Bakoura Doro, also known as Abu Oumaimah, a senior Boko Haram leader, has denied reports that he was killed during a recent military operation in Niger Republic.
The Nigerien Armed Forces had announced on Friday that Bakoura was among several high-profile insurgents eliminated in a series of coordinated airstrikes conducted on August 15. The strikes targeted terrorist camps in Korongol, Kournawa, and Shilawa in the Diffa region, reportedly killing dozens of militants and dismantling key Boko Haram strongholds.
Niger’s military government, led by General Abdurahamane Tiani, had named Bakoura as a central figure in ongoing insurgent activities and accused him of orchestrating instability in the country.
However, in an intercepted communication obtained by security analyst Zagazola Makama, Bakoura dismissed the claims of his death. He confirmed the airstrikes occurred but insisted he was not among the casualties.
“I saw the news of my killing on social media, as announced by the Niger Republic. The airstrikes did happen, but I am not among those who were killed,” Bakoura reportedly told his inner circle.
Related Development: Son of Boko Haram Founder Arrested in Chad
In a separate counter-terrorism operation, Chadian authorities have arrested a young son of Boko Haram’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf. Identified as Muslim Mohammed Yusuf and believed to be 18 years old, he was reportedly leading a jihadist cell in Chad.
According to AFP, Yusuf was detained alongside five other suspected militants during a raid carried out by Chadian security forces. While police confirmed the arrest of six Boko Haram members, they have yet to officially verify the identity of Yusuf as the son of the deceased extremist leader.
