Nigeria: Army confirms killing of Boko Haram commander Abu Khalid
Edited By: Esengo Badi
The Nigerian armed forces announced on Sunday the death of a senior commander of the Islamist group Boko Haram during a night raid in Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria.
According to a military statement, the commander, identified as Abu Khalid, was killed during an operation targeting militant positions in the Sambisa Forest, a long-time stronghold of the group. Abu Khalid was described as one of Boko Haram’s key figures and is believed to have served as the group’s second-in-command for logistics and operations in the area.
The army said that ten other Boko Haram fighters were also killed during the raid. No casualties were reported among Nigerian military personnel.
Military officials described the operation as a significant tactical success at a time when security forces are facing mounting challenges across the country. Nigeria has seen a surge in violence in recent months, driven by both Islamist insurgencies in the northeast and widespread criminal activity elsewhere.
The Nigerian military is currently fighting on multiple fronts, confronting Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province, while also combating armed gangs involved in kidnappings and ransom operations, particularly in the country’s northwest and central regions.
