Troops Eliminate High Ranking Terrorist Commander, 10 Others In Borno
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded a major operational success with the elimination of a high-ranking Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Abu Khalid, alongside 10 other terrorists during a decisive night operation in Borno State.
OPHK’’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
TheFact Daily notes that with the elimination on Friday of another top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) top commander, known as Julaibib, during a fierce battle troops are sustaining the tempo in dealing decisively with the terrorists, as his death is said to have thrown ISWAP elements in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle into disarray.
The latest encounter occurred during a coordinated night offensive conducted at about 11:00 p.m. by troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), under Operation DESERT SANITY.
The troops made contact with terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area. Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis.
Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five (5) AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as large quantities of medical consumables.
Uba said no casualty was recorded among own troops during the operation, even as their morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle, and other known Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves in the North East region.
The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the operational tempo until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.
Meanwhile, the Military High Command has commended the troops for their courage, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East, urging them to maintain the momentum.
