Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have killed Abu Khalid, a senior Boko Haram/ISWAP commander and the group’s second-in-command in the Sambisa Forest, during a night operation in Borno State.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY.
The forces reportedly engaged the terrorists at about 11:00 p.m. in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area, where Abu Khalid and 10 other fighters were neutralised.
Lt. Col. Uba said the success came less than 24 hours after troops eliminated another prominent Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, along the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
He described Abu Khalid as a critical figure in the Boko Haram command structure, noting that he coordinated terrorist operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis. His death, he said, represents a major setback for the group’s activities in the area.
Items recovered from the scene included 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 own troops during the operation,” the statement said.
Lt. Col. Uba added that troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other identified terrorist enclaves in the North East.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its resolve to maintain the current pace of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.
He further said the Military High Command has praised the troops for their commitment and sacrifices, urging them to sustain the operational momentum in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality.
