No, Nigeria Did Not Launch Missile Strike on Burkina Faso
A viral Facebook post claiming Nigeria launched a missile strike on Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, is completely false. The post alleges that the attack targeted the presidential compound and key military sites in an attempt to eliminate the country’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. However, there is no evidence to support this dramatic claim.
The message, widely circulated on social media and falsely labeled as “breaking news,” claims the strike destroyed military facilities and prompted an immediate retaliatory response from Traoré. It warns of escalating tensions and a possible regional war—none of which has been verified by any credible source.
The story is pure fabrication.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré has been at the center of growing attention since assuming power in September 2022 after deposing Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, who had earlier ousted President Roch Kaboré. At just 36, Traoré is among the world’s youngest leaders and promotes a pan-Africanist vision modeled after Burkina Faso’s revolutionary icon, Thomas Sankara.
He has focused on developing local industries, reclaiming national control over resources like gold, limiting Western influence, particularly from France, and forging closer ties with Russia. While praised by supporters for his bold reforms, he faces criticism over alleged authoritarianism and suppression of free speech.
Rumours of external threats—including supposed plots by France and the U.S. to overthrow him—have been circulating in recent months, alongside unconfirmed reports of failed coup attempts. The missile strike claim appears to be part of a broader disinformation campaign exploiting these narratives.
Despite the viral nature of the false reports, there has been no official statement from either the Nigerian or Burkinabè governments confirming any such attack, nor have international observers or reputable news agencies reported any missile strike.
The claim is baseless and should be dismissed as fake news.
