Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism with the elimination of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists in a night operation in Borno State.
According to the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was neutralised during a coordinated offensive carried out by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation Desert Sanity. The encounter took place around 11:00 p.m. at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area.
The operation came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious terrorist commander, Julaibib, who had been operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. Military sources described the back-to-back successes as a significant blow to the leadership and operational structure of the terrorist groups in the region.
Abu Khalid was said to be a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating attacks, logistics, and movements within the Sambisa axis.
Following the engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as large quantities of medical supplies believed to have been used by the terrorists.
The military confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation, adding that their morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle, and other identified hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East.
In a statement, the Joint Task Force (North East) 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.
The Military High Command also commended the troops for their sacrifices, resilience, and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities, urging them to maintain the current operational momentum.
