By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the neutralisation of a high-ranking Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist leader, Abu Khalid, identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside ten other terrorists during a successful night operation in Borno State.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba. According to the statement, the operation was conducted barely 24 hours after troops neutralised the notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who had been operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba explained that troops of Sector 1, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY, engaged terrorist elements in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m. during a deliberate night offensive.
The encounter resulted in the elimination of Abu Khalid, a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy who was responsible for coordinating operations, logistics, and movement of fighters within the Sambisa axis.
Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food supplies, as well as a large cache of medical consumables believed to have been used to sustain injured terrorists in their hideouts.
The statement further confirmed that no casualties were recorded among own troops during the operation. Troops’ morale remains high as sustained clearance and exploitation operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle, and other identified Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves in the North East region.
The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to maintaining the momentum of ongoing operations until all terrorist elements are decisively neutralised and lasting peace, security, and economic stability are fully restored to the region.
Meanwhile, the Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo until total victory is achieved.
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