Maiduguri — Barely 24 hours after troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), eliminated notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander Julaibib in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, Nigerian forces have recorded another major success with the neutralisation of Abu Khalid, the second-in-command in the Sambisa Forest.
Abu Khalid was killed alongside 10 other terrorists during a late-night operation conducted by troops of Sector 1, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), under Operation DESERT Sanity. The operation took place at about 11:00 p.m. in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a security source, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle that resulted in the death of the senior commander and his fighters, without any casualty recorded on the side of the military. Items recovered from the scene included five AK-47 rifles, several loaded magazines, bicycles, assorted food items, logistics materials and medical supplies believed to be used by the insurgents.
Komala, located approximately 35 kilometres from Maiduguri along the notorious Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu road, has remained largely deserted for years due to sustained Boko Haram attacks and activities in the area.
Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, described Abu Khalid as a key operational and logistics coordinator for terrorist activities within the Sambisa axis. He noted that his elimination represents a significant blow to the command structure of the insurgent group.
Lt. Col. Uba added that troops’ morale remains high as clearance and dominance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves in the North East.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised, stressing that the objective remains the restoration of lasting peace, security and economic stability in the region. The Military High Command also commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and sacrifices.
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