Troops neutralise Boko Haram’s Sambisa no. 2, 10 others in daring night raid

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) achieved a major victory Sunday night, eliminating Abu Khalid, the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, along with 10 other terrorists in Konduga Local Government Area.

The decisive strike came just 24 hours after troops took out another high-profile commander, Julaibib, in the Gujba axis.

According to a Sunday statement from Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East) Headquarters, the operation unfolded around 11:00 p.m. in the Komala general area during night offensives under Operation DESERT SANITY.

Sector 1 troops, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged the terrorists head-on.

“Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis,” the statement noted.

In the aftermath, forces recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, bicycles, assorted logistics, food items, and a large cache of medical consumables. No troop casualties were reported, with morale remaining sky-high as clearance patrols press on in Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle, and other hotspots.

The JTF reaffirmed its resolve, “The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised, lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.”

The Military High Command praised the bravery on display.

“The Military High Command commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East region, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.”