Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed a senior Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Abu Khalid, along with 10 other terrorists during a coordinated night assault in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
The operation, carried out late Saturday night, marks another major blow to insurgent leadership in the North East, coming less than 24 hours after security forces eliminated another notorious commander, Julaibib.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, described Abu Khalid as a high-ranking figure responsible for coordinating logistics and attacks within the Sambisa axis.
According to the statement, troops from Sector 1, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) under Operation DESERT SANITY, made contact with the terrorists around 11:00 p.m. at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area.
“Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader Abu Khalid, identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State,” the statement read.
The military said the encounter followed intelligence-led clearance operations aimed at flushing out remaining insurgent elements from their known hideouts across the region.
“Barely 24 hours after troops eliminated the notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Operation DESERT SANITY, made contact with terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during night offensives at about 11:00 p.m. Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis.”
Following the engagement, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, magazines, bicycles, medical supplies, food items and other logistics believed to belong to the terrorists.
“Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five (5) AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as huge medical consumables.”
The military confirmed that no casualties were recorded among its personnel during the operation.
“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 hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region.”
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive operations until all remaining terrorist elements are neutralised.
“The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised, lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.”
The Military High Command also praised the troops for their dedication and urged them to maintain operational momentum in the fight against terrorism.
