UPDATES: On Morocco’s Assertion that its Intelligence Guided Niger’s Military to Neutralise Boko Haram Leader Bakoura Doro

Morocco’s claim that its intelligence services guided Niger’s military to neutralise Boko Haram commander Ibrahim Mahamadou, popularly known as “Bakoura Doro,” has again been placed in doubt as new evidence suggests the militant leader may still be alive.

Niger’s military authorities announced on August 15 that Bakoura was killed in a “surgical operation” in the Diffa region, with airstrikes targeting insurgent hideouts in the Bosso–Abadam axis.

The report, widely disseminated by Niger’s state broadcaster RTN, credited Morocco with providing crucial intelligence that enabled the operation. The announcement was hailed as a major counterterrorism breakthrough in both Niger and Nigeria, signaling a significant victory in West Africa’s fight against terrorism.15 MINUTES VIDEO – No Way She Do This In Public!!, Lagos Lady Caught In The Public Bus With Boyfriend 😲

However, multiple sources close to Bakoura have contended that he was not killed and remains alive and unharmed. In what appeared to corroborate those claims, Bakoura is alleged to have appeared in an audio message denying the attack and dismissing Niger’s account as “false propaganda.” Bakoura allegedly stated that the photograph circulated as evidence of his death traces back to an image taken roughly seven years ago.

It is understood that the Nigerien authorities, under pressure to demonstrate progress against terrorism and to project a victory they have not yet achieved amidst dwindling security and economic challenges, used the operation for political messaging as much as for security purposes. The government has been struggling with credibility, and the claim of Bakoura’s death appeared to be an opportunity to rally public support.

In May 2024, Niger claimed it had apprehended Nigeria’s infamous bandit kingpin, Baleri (often described as a cousin or ally of Bello Turji), along with 65 of his men in southern Nigeria. The claim proved false when Turji and Baleri released a video dismissing it. Earlier, Niger had also claimed initial success against Bakoura, saying he was badly injured in airstrikes; that report likewise turned out to be untrue.

As of now, the true status of Bakoura remains unclear, illustrating the fog of war in a region still struggling with one of Africa’s longest-running insurgencies.