Troops Neutralise Abu Khalid, 10 Terrorists in Decisive Sambisa Night Raid
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists during a decisive night operation in Borno State.
Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was eliminated during a coordinated night offensive carried out by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY. The encounter occurred at about 11:00 p.m. in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area.
The operation came barely 24 hours after troops neutralised another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who was operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, highlighting the sustained operational pressure on terrorist elements in the North East.
Military sources disclosed that Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics across the Sambisa axis. Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food supplies, as well as a large cache of medical consumables.
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 Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts in the region.
The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the North East.
Meanwhile, the Military High Command has commended the troops for their sacrifices, professionalism and dedication in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities, urging them to sustain the operational momentum.
