Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have eliminated a top Boko Haram commander, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists during a coordinated night operation in Borno State.
Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was neutralised when troops of Sector 1, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation Desert Sanity, engaged terrorists in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m.
The operation came less than 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, underscoring sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North East.
Abu Khalid was described as a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis.
Military sources said the successful engagement 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 in the region.
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 neutralised.
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 in the region.
