Troops gun down top Sambisa commander, 10 other terrorists in night operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have killed a senior Boko Haram commander, Abu Khalid, during a night operation in Borno State.

Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was neutralised alongside 10 other terrorists during an offensive carried out at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area.

A statement signed Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba – Media Information Officer , Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI , on Sunday, said the operation, which took place at about 11:00 p.m., was executed by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY.

The development came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who was operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

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Military sources described Abu Khalid as a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics across the Sambisa axis.

Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as a large cache of medical supplies.

“No casualty was recorded among own troops during the operation. Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region.

“The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised ,  lasting peace and economic stability  are restored to the region,” the statement said.

Troops are said to remain in high spirits as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts in the North East.

The Joint Task Force (North East) also  reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum 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 and dedication, urging them to maintain the operational tempo in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the region.