Boko Haram leader Bakoura denies report of his death in Niger airstrikes

By: Zagazola Makama

Boko Haram Leader, Ibrahim Bakoura Doro, alias Abu Oumaimah, has denied reports by the Government of Niger Republic that he was killed in recent military operations in the country’s Diffa region.

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

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

The operation was celebrated as a major success, with Niger’s Head of State, Gen. Abdurahamane Tiani, identifying Bakoura as one of the key actors allegedly involved in attempts to destabilise the country.

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

He was heard telling his commanders that he saw the news of his “killing” on social media, as announced by Niger Republic and circulated by conflict analyst Zagazola Makama.

While admitting that the airstrikes indeed took place, he insisted that he was not among those killed.

Boko Haram leader Bakoura denies report of his death in Niger airstrikes

Niger Republic claims killing of Boko Haram leader Ibrahim Bakoura Doro alias Abu Oumaimah

By: Zagazola Makama

The Government of Niger Republic says its armed forces have allegedly killed a senior Boko Haram leader, Ibrahim Bakoura, also known as Abu Oumaima, during a military operation in the country’s Diffa region.

Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN), disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday, saying the operation was carried out on Aug. 15 through a series of precision airstrikes targeting Boko Haram positions in Korongol, Kournawa and Shilawa.

The strikes reportedly neutralised dozens of fighters, destroyed logistical supplies and eliminated high-ranking commanders, including Bakoura, who was described as a central figure in the faction’s hierarchy.

Nigerien authorities said the successful operation reaffirmed their commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and securing its territory against persistent terrorist threats.

Army General Abdurahamane Tiani, Niger’s Head of State, had earlier identified Bakoura as one of the key actors allegedly involved in attempts to destabilise the country.

However, independent verification of Bakoura’s death has not been established. Conflict analyst Zagazola Makama noted that the claim could not be independently verified, but stressed that if confirmed, it would mark a major victory for counterterrorism operations in the Sahel.

Security experts believe the alleged killing of Bakoura, who has long been associated with Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (Boko Haram), would represent both a symbolic and operational blow to the insurgents across the Lake Chad Basin.

Niger remains a frontline state in the regional fight against terrorism, despite its withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), its often collaborating with Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon under a bilateral engagement.

Niger Republic claims killing of Boko Haram leader Ibrahim Bakoura Doro alias Abu Oumaimah

Troops repel terrorist attack in Borno, kill two ISWAP commanders, others

By: Zagazola Makama

Nigerian troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attack by terrorists in Wulgo, Borno State, killing at least seven fighters including two of their commanders.

Zagazola Makama report that the encounter also left several terrorists severely wounded during the fierce exchange of fire.

The slain commanders were identified as Abu Nazir, the Munzir of Juye, and Abu Fatima, the Munzir of Koloram.

According to the source, the troops recovered four motorcycles from the terrorists after the attack. However, an armoured vehicle (MRAP) belonging to the troops was set ablaze by the fleeing insurgents.

“The terrorists came heavily armed but were decisively engaged. We inflicted heavy casualties on them, including two of their senior commanders,” the source said.

Troops repel terrorist attack in Borno, kill two ISWAP commanders, others