Nigerian Military Achieves Major Victory Against Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest
In a significant blow to terrorist operations in Northeast Nigeria, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully eliminated a top Boko Haram leader identified as the second-in-command, Abu Khalid, along with 10 other fighters. The operation, conducted in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, marks another critical success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
Nighttime Raid in Konduga Local Government Area
The military action took place during a night operation around 11 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in the Komala general area of Sambisa Forest, located within Konduga Local Government Area. According to Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, the troops recovered numerous weapons from the terrorists during the assault.
This operation followed closely on the heels of another successful mission that eliminated the notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander Julaibib, who was operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle. The recent strike against Abu Khalid demonstrates the military's sustained pressure on terrorist leadership structures.
Coordinated Effort with Civilian Joint Task Force
The operation was executed by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) as part of Operation Desert Sanity. Remarkably, no casualties were recorded among the Nigerian forces during the engagement, highlighting the tactical proficiency of the operation.
Lt. Col. Uba emphasized that "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." This statement underscores the military's commitment to maintaining momentum against terrorist elements.
Broader Context of Counter-Terrorism Operations
This latest victory builds upon previous successes by Nigerian forces operating under Operation Hadin Kai. Recent operations have included:
- Well-executed ambushes in Sojiri and Kayamla communities that killed scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists
- Disruption of major terrorist logistics movements
- Coordinated raids in Zamfara State that eliminated six terrorists and rescued a kidnapped girl
These operations collectively aim to restore peace and dismantle terrorist networks across Northern Nigeria, with particular focus on the Northeast and Northwest regions where insurgent activities have been most pronounced.
The elimination of Abu Khalid represents a strategic setback for Boko Haram's command structure in the Sambisa Forest, which has long served as a stronghold for the terrorist organization. As military operations continue across multiple fronts, security forces remain vigilant in their efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and protect civilian populations.
