Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised a senior Boko Haram commander, Abu Khalid, along with 10 other terrorists during a coordinated night operation in Borno State.
Abu Khalid, identified as the deputy leader of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was eliminated when troops of Sector 1, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation Desert Sanity, engaged the terrorists in the Komala area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m.
The operation came less than 24 hours after troops killed another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, highlighting sustained military pressure on terrorist strongholds in the North East.
Military sources described Abu Khalid as a key figure in the group’s command structure, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis.
The encounter led to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as large quantities of medical supplies.
No casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
The Joint Task Force said troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring lasting peace and economic stability in the North East, the task force said operations would be sustained until all terrorist elements are eliminated.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication, urging them to maintain the operational tempo in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities across the region.