By Gabriel Ameh
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another operational success with the neutralisation of a senior Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Khalid, described as the second-in-command of the group in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.
The development came barely 24 hours after troops eliminated another notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, who operated within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lt. Col. Sani Uba Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI 1 February 2026
According to the statement, the military, troops of Sector 1, working in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY, engaged terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area at about 11:00 p.m. during a night offensive.
Abu Khalid was said to be a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics within the Sambisa axis.
Following the engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as a large cache of medical supplies.
No casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
The troops, the statement added, remain in high spirits as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East.
The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operational momentum 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 dedication and sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East, urging them to maintain the operational tempo.
