The Nigerian military has dealt a significant blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) with the killing of its Second-in-Command, Abu Khalid, during operations in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
This follows closely on the heels of another successful strike, in which troops eliminated a senior ISWAP commander known as Julaibib in Kimba, Damboa Local Government Area, less than 24 hours earlier.
A military source told The Nation on Sunday that Abu Khalid, a key strategist and coordinator of ISWAP activities in the Sambisa axis, was killed along with ten of his associates during a night operation on Saturday. The engagement took place in the Komala area of Konduga Local Government Area around 11:00 p.m.
The source highlighted the importance of Abu Khalid in the group’s hierarchy, noting that he was instrumental in planning operations and managing logistics. Following the successful raid, troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, bicycles, various supplies, food items, and a substantial stock of medical equipment.
“No casualties were recorded among our personnel during the operation,” the source said, adding that troop morale remains strong as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, the Timbuktu Triangle, and other Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts in the North East.
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the momentum of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralized, ensuring lasting peace and economic recovery in the region. The high command commended the troops for their dedication and sacrifices in combating terrorism and other criminal activities, urging them to sustain the current operational intensity.
