Troops kill Boko Haram’s second-in-command, 10 others in Sambisa forest

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have killed Abu Khalid, a senior Boko Haram leader, described as the group’s second-in-command in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other fighters during a night operation in Borno State.

The operation took place around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Komala general area of Sambisa Forest, located within Konduga Local Government Area of the State.

Read also: Army clears Boko Haram hideouts in Niger, foils banditry in Kaduna

In a statement issued on Sunday, Sanni Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, said the successful operation marked another major breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.

According to statement, 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 during a coordinated night offensive, leading to the elimination of Abu Khalid and his associates.

“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State,” the statement read.

It described Abu Khalid as a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, noting that he played a critical role in coordinating operations and logistics across the Sambisa axis.

It added that the encounter occurred barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who had been operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

Following the engagement at Komala, troops recovered several weapons and supplies from the terrorists, including five AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as a large quantity of medical consumables.

The military confirmed that no casualties were recorded among the 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,” it said.

It further stated that the Joint Task Force remains committed to sustaining the current tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace, security and economic stability are restored to the region.

Read also: At least 8 Nigerian soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack in Borno

The statement also noted that the Military High Command has commended the troops for their resilience, sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East, urging them to maintain the momentum.

DHQ also disclosed that troops killed Julaibib, a top ISWAP commander operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, during an encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026.

It further disclosed that, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, they neutralised three other terrorists during an ambush between the Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in the state, as part of ongoing operations to dismantle remaining insurgent networks.