The Nigerian Army reports that troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a major operational breakthrough with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists during a coordinated night offensive in Borno State.
The force said Abu Khalid, identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was killed during a fierce encounter with troops in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area.
Abu Khalid was said to be a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics for insurgents in the Sambisa axis.
Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, several magazines, bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as large quantities of medical consumables abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The military confirmed that no casualty was recorded among own troops during the operation. According to a statement from OPHK headquarters, the morale of troops remains high as aggressive clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other identified terrorist hideouts in the North East.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are completely neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are fully restored to the region.
The Military High Command commended the gallantry, sacrifices and dedication of the troops, urging them to maintain the momentum in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality in the North East.
Security analysts believe the elimination of Abu Khalid and other key commanders represents a significant blow to the operational capacity of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the region.