Barely 24 hours after troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) killed notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander Julaibib in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, another top commander, Abu Khalid, the second-in-command in Sambisa Forest, was neutralised alongside 10 other terrorists.
The operation was conducted by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Operation DESERT Sanity.
The engagement occurred at about 11:00 p.m. in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State. According to a security source, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted food items, logistics, and medical supplies. No casualties were recorded among the troops.
Komala, located about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri along the dangerous Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road, has been largely deserted for years due to Boko Haram activities.
Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, confirmed the operation, noting that Abu Khalid played a key role in coordinating terrorist operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis. He emphasised that troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle, and other Boko Haram/ISWAP hideouts in the North East.
The JTF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised, ensuring lasting peace and economic stability in the region. The Military High Command commended the troops for their dedication and sacrifice.
