Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised a senior Boko Haram commander, identified as Abu Khalid, also known as the group’s second-in-command, alongside 10 other terrorists during an operation in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
The terrorists were neutralised in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during a night operation carried out by the troops on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, said the operation also led to the recovery of weapons and other logistics.
According to him, the troops recorded a major breakthrough with the elimination of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Khalid, described as a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, the group’s second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists.
Uba noted that the development came not less than 24 hours after troops eliminated another Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who was operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
He explained that troops of Sector 1, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force under Operation Desert Sanity, engaged the terrorist during coordinated night operations in the area.
Uba 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.
The Information Officer noted that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
“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.” he said.
He also said the Joint Task Force, 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.
Uba further disclosed that the military high command commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to maintain the operational momentum in the fight against insurgency and other security threats.
