By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another major operational success with the elimination of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Khalid, and 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.
Abu Khalid, identified as the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, was neutralised during an operation conducted by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY.
The operation came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious commander, Julaibib, in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
According to the military, troops made contact with terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m., leading to a fierce engagement.
Abu Khalid was described as a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis.
Following the encounter, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as huge medical consumables.
No casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
The military said troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains and Timbuktu Triangle.
The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirmed its commitment 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 commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.
The disclosure was made in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, on February 1, 2026.