Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Nigerian military has announced a major operational breakthrough in its ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East with the elimination of a high-ranking Boko Haram commander, Abu Khalid, during sustained clearance operations in Borno State’s Sambisa Forest. Abu Khalid, identified as the group’s second-in-command and a pivotal figure in coordinating attacks, logistics and fighter movements, was killed alongside an estimated 10 other terrorists during a night operation conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
According to a statement issued by the Theatre Command Media Information Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, the engagement occurred late on Saturday in the Komala area of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. The military attributed the success to intelligence-led operations and effective coordination between regular troops and Civilian Joint Task Force units operating under the codename Operation Desert Sanity. Troops encountered the insurgents during a night offensive and successfully neutralised the key Boko Haram leader, with no casualties reported among the military personnel involved in the mission.
In addition to removing Abu Khalid from the insurgent hierarchy, the operation resulted in the recovery of several weapons and logistical items, including five AK-47 rifles, magazines, bicycles, assorted supplies and large quantities of medical consumables abandoned by fleeing fighters. These recoveries point to the broader intent of Boko Haram elements to sustain themselves within the forested enclave, which remains a traditional stronghold of the insurgency.
The military release emphasised that Abu Khalid’s death represents a significant setback to Boko Haram’s operational capacity in its northeastern theatre. Analysts note that targeting high-value command figures, particularly those instrumental in coordinating field activities and supplying fighters, can disrupt insurgent networks and degrade their ability to sustain coordinated attacks on security forces and civilian populations.
This announcement follows other recent successes for the Nigerian military in the North-East. Barely 24 hours before Abu Khalid’s neutralisation, troops reportedly eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander known as Julaibib, who had been active within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. Operations across multiple insurgent enclaves underscore continuing efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces to penetrate deeply entrenched militant hideouts and reduce the operational reach of extremist cells in the region.
The broader context of these operations is Nigeria’s long-running counter-terrorism campaign under Operation Hadin Kai, which has been active in the North-East since its redesignation in 2021. The campaign continues to focus on dismantling Boko Haram and affiliated groups by combining ground offensives, intelligence gathering, community engagement and collaboration with local vigilante networks.
Military commanders have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operational pressure on insurgents across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known areas of militant activity. They urged remaining insurgents to lay down their arms and return to peaceful civilian life, while reiterating that Nigerian troops will maintain momentum in pursuit of lasting peace and security for communities across the North-East.
The elimination of Abu Khalid and other high-profile insurgent figures underscores ongoing progress in Nigeria’s efforts to degrade extremist capabilities, even as the conflict persists and evolves after more than a decade of violence that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions in the region.
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