Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another major operational success with the killing of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.
This contained in a statement signed on Sunday by Lt-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI
Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was neutralised barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
Military sources said troops of Sector 1, operating in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY, engaged the terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m. during sustained night offensives.
Abu Khalid was described as a key figure in the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis.
Items recovered after the encounter included five AK-47 rifles, several magazines, bicycles, assorted logistics and food supplies, as well as large quantities of medical consumables.
No casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation, according to the military.
Clearance and dominance operations are ongoing across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known terrorist hideouts in the North-East.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the current operational tempo until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their courage, sacrifices and dedication, urging them to maintain pressure on terrorist groups and other criminal elements operating in the North-East.