By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have killed Abu Khalid, a top Boko Haram/ISWAP commander and second-in-command of the terrorist group in the Sambisa Forest, during a night operation in Borno State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 1, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), under Operation DESERT SANITY. The troops 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 terrorists were neutralised.
Lt. Col. Uba noted that the successful operation came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, along the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
He described Abu Khalid as a key figure within the Boko Haram hierarchy, responsible for coordinating terrorist operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis, adding that his elimination has dealt a significant blow to the group’s activities.
Items recovered from the terrorists 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 known terrorist hideouts in the North East region.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the current tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.
He further stated that the Military High Command has commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication, urging them to sustain the operational momentum in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.
