By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign 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 ten other terrorists during a decisive night operation in Borno State.
The development comes barely 24 hours after the elimination of the notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who had been operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, underscoring the sustained operational momentum being maintained by troops across the North-East theatre.
Confirming the latest success in a signed statement, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that troops of Sector 1, working in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY, made contact with terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during night offensives at about 11:00 p.m.
According to him, Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy in the Sambisa axis, where he coordinated operations, facilitated logistics, and provided command direction for Boko Haram elements operating within the forest and adjoining areas.
Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as large quantities of medical consumables from the terrorists. No casualty was recorded among own 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 across the North-East region, with the aim of collapsing remaining terrorist enclaves and denying insurgents any form of freedom of action.
The Joint Task Force (North East) has 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.
Meanwhile, the Military High Command has commended the troops for their courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North-East, urging them to sustain the pressure on the enemy and build on the recent operational gains.
