Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have killed a top Boko Haram commander, Abu Khalid, and 10 other fighters during a late-night operation in Borno State, the military said.
The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, took place at about 11 p.m. in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area under Operation Desert Sanity.
Abu Khalid, described as the second-in-command in the Sambisa Forest, was killed less than 24 hours after troops neutralised another senior Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
A security source said troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted food items, logistics and medical supplies during the operation. No casualties were recorded among the troops.
Komala, about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri along the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu road, has been largely deserted for years due to sustained Boko Haram attacks.
Confirming the operation, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, said Abu Khalid played a key role in coordinating terrorist operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis.
He said troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves in the North East.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining military operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised to ensure lasting peace and economic stability in the region. The military high command commended the troops for their dedication and sacrifice.
