In a significant victory against insurgency, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully neutralized Ibn Khalid, a top Boko Haram commander, along with scores of other terrorists, including their crucial cameraman, during recent operations in Borno State.

This feat follows a series of successful operations conducted by the Nigerian Army across remote communities in the state, which also led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics equipment belonging to the terrorists.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, detailed the operations. He stated that troops deployed in Monguno effectively repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration. During the subsequent pursuit of the fleeing insurgents, blood trails were discovered along their withdrawal routes, indicating casualties among the terrorists.

“Items recovered included a large quantity of 7.62mm special ammunition, one PKT belt, an AK-47 rifle magazine, a Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb, and other military gear,” the statement confirmed.

Captain Kovangiya further elaborated on the elimination of the high-value targets. “In a separate encounter at Bitta, in Gwoza Local Government Area, troops again repelled an infiltration attempt. The insurgents were met with superior firepower, leading to the death of several fighters, including Ibn Khalid, a senior Quiad commander, and the group’s cameraman.” From this scene, troops recovered more weapons, AK-47 magazines, and a camcorder, which is believed to have been used for their propaganda activities.

The statement also disclosed that in various subsidiary operations conducted within the same period, at least 17 terrorists were neutralized in offensives stretching from the Sambisa Forest to Madagali and Kaga local government areas. These operations also resulted in the seizure of several motorcycles and crucial logistics items used by the insurgents.

The neutralization of a senior commander like Ibn Khalid and the group’s cameraman is seen as a significant blow to Boko Haram’s command structure and its propaganda machinery, further degrading their operational capabilities in the region.