Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated a senior Boko Haram commander, identified as Abu Khalid, also known as the group’s second-in-command in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
10 other terrorists were also killed during the operation.
The military disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba.
The terrorists were neutralised in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during a night operation carried out by the troops at about 11pm on Saturday.
The statement reads, “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.”
Uba noted that the operation occurred barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who was operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
He said, “Troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force under Operation Desert Sanity, made contact with the terrorists in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during night offensives at about 11pm. Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis.”
He added that following the engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as a large quantity of medical supplies.
Uba said no casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation.
He added: “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 North-East region.”
The Joint Task Force, he said, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.
He further disclosed that the military high command commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North-East, urging them to sustain the operational momentum.