Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a top Boko Haram leader, Abu Khalid, identified as the group’s second-in-command in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other fighters during a night operation in Borno State.
The terrorists were neutralised at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during an offensive carried out around 11pm on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, described the operation as a major success, noting that several weapons and logistics were recovered.
According to the statement, “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.”
Uba said the operation came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who was operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
He explained that troops of Sector 1, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation Desert Sanity, engaged the terrorists during night offensives in the Komala area of Konduga LGA.
“Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis,” Uba said.
He added that following the engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted food items, logistics, and a large quantity of medical supplies. No casualties were recorded among the troops.
Uba noted that troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other identified terrorist hideouts in the North-East.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining offensive operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.
“The Military High Command has commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication, urging them to sustain the current operational tempo,” the statement added.
It was earlier reported that Julaibib, a top ISWAP commander, was killed during an encounter around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on January 30, 2026. Troops, working with the CJTF, also neutralised three terrorists during an ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in the state.
