Nigerian Army Eliminates Boko Haram Second-in-Command 24 Hours After Killing Top Commander in Sambisa Forest

Barely 24 hours after eliminating a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised another top insurgent leader, Abu Khalid, identified as the group’s second-in-command, during a night operation in the Sambisa Forest.
The development was confirmed by the Nigerian Army through troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, and posted on the Nigerian Army’s official X handle, @HQNigerianArmy, the military disclosed that Abu Khalid was killed alongside 10 other terrorists during a coordinated night offensive in Borno State.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated that the operation occurred barely 24 hours after troops had eliminated Julaibib, a high-profile Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, underscoring the sustained pressure being applied on terrorist leadership structures in the North East.
According to the statement, troops operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle—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.
Abu Khalid, described as a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, was responsible for coordinating operational activities and logistics across the Sambisa axis. His elimination, the Army noted, represents a significant setback to Boko Haram/ISWAP command and control capabilities.
Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, several magazines, bicycles, assorted logistics and food supplies, as well as large quantities of medical consumables.
“No casualty was recorded among own troops during the operation,” “Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle, and other known Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts in the North East region.”the statement added.
The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the tempo of military operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised and lasting peace and economic stability are fully restored to the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba further disclosed that the Military High Command has commended the troops for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East, urging them to maintain the current operational momentum.