Troops eliminate top Sambisa Boko Haram Commander, 10 others in night operation

Michael Olumide

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success with the elimination of a top Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists during a decisive night operation in Borno State.

Abu Khalid, who was identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was neutralised during a night offensive conducted by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY.

According to the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operation, which took place at about 11:00 p.m. in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area, followed credible intelligence on terrorist movements and hideouts within the axis.

The latest success came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who had been operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, further dealing a heavy blow to the terrorist network in the North East.

Military sources disclosed that Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, playing a critical role in coordinating operations, logistics and movement of fighters within the Sambisa axis. His elimination is expected to significantly disrupt command, control and operational cohesion of terrorist elements in the area.

Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as large quantities of medical consumables suspected to have been used to treat wounded terrorists.

Notably, no casualty was recorded among own troops during the operation, a development attributed to effective planning, superior firepower and high morale among the fighting forces.

Troops have continued aggressive clearance and exploitation operations across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other identified enclaves of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region, with sustained pressure being mounted on fleeing terrorists.

The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustaining the current tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace, security and economic stability are fully restored to the region.

The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism and sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East, urging them to remain resolute and sustain the operational momentum.