Troops kill Boko Haram deputy leader, 10 others in Sambisa

Nigerian troops fighting insurgency in the North-East have killed Abu Khalid, a senior Boko Haram Commander, alongside 10 other terrorists during a coordinated night operation in Borno State.

The military said Abu Khalid was the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest axis and played a strategic role in coordinating operations and logistics for the terror group.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed that the operation was carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, the latest success came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated Julaibib, another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP clCommander, who was operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

DHQ explained that troops of Sector 1, working in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY, made contact with the terrorists in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m. during a night offensive.

It noted that the encounter occurred in the Komala area of Konduga LGA, a region that had witnessed repeated insurgent activity due to its proximity to the Sambisa Forest, one of the long-standing strongholds of Boko Haram elements.

Military said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, resulting in the death of Abu Khalid and 10 of his fighters.

Describing Abu Khalid as a key figure in the terrorist hierarchy, the statement noted that he was instrumental to planning and coordinating attacks, as well as managing logistics within the Sambisa axis.

Troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, several bicycles, assorted food supplies, logistics materials, and large quantities of medical items believed to have been used to sustain the insurgents in the forest.

The Military confirmed that no casualties were recorded among its personnel 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 statement said.

It added that Operation HADIN KAI had in recent weeks intensified ground and air offensives targeting insurgent enclaves across Borno and adjoining States as part of renewed efforts by the Military High Command to degrade terrorist capabilities and restore stability to the region.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the operational tempo until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the North East.

It also commended the troops for their sacrifices, resilience and dedication in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign, urging them to maintain pressure on fleeing insurgents and deny them any safe haven.