Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised a senior Boko Haram leader identified as the group’s second-in-command, along with 10 other fighters, during a night operation in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.
The operation took place around 11 p.m. on Saturday at the Komala general area under Konduga Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, said the troops recorded significant operational success during the offensive, which also led to the recovery of several weapons and logistics.
According to the statement, the neutralised leader, Abu Khalid, was a key Boko Haram commander responsible for coordinating operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis.
Uba said troops of Sector 1, working in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation Desert Sanity, engaged the terrorists during the night offensive, resulting in the elimination of Abu Khalid and 10 other fighters.
Items recovered during the operation included five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics, food items and large quantities of medical supplies.
The military spokesperson added that no casualties were recorded among the troops during the encounter.
He noted that the operation came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who had been operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
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Uba said clearance operations were ongoing across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known terrorist hideouts in the North-East, adding that troop morale remained high.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Joint Task Force to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.
The military high command, according to the statement, commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and urged them to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations.
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, in collaboration with the CJTF, were also said to have neutralised three terrorists during an ambush between Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in the state.