Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated a high-ranking Boko Haram commander, Ibn Khalid, along with numerous insurgents, including the group’s cameraman, during operations in Borno State.
The Nigerian Army also reported the killing of over 200 bandits in a fierce firefight in Niger State. Additionally, a coordinated Nigerian–Nigerien military offensive dismantled a key Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) stronghold near Damasak, Borno State.
In a statement on Wednesday, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Theatre Command, confirmed that troops repelled an attempted infiltration in Monguno, Borno State, and recovered a significant cache of arms and military equipment.
“The recovered items included a large quantity of 7.62 mm special ammunition, a PKT belt, an AK-47 rifle magazine, a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bomb, and various military gear,” he stated.
Regarding another operation in Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area, Kovangiya added: “Troops also repelled an infiltration attempt in Bitta. The insurgents were met with overwhelming firepower, resulting in the deaths of several fighters, including Ibn Khalid, a senior Quiad commander, and the group’s cameraman. Weapons, AK-47 magazines, and a camcorder were recovered from the scene.”
In additional operations conducted across Sambisa Forest, Madagali, and Kaga LGAs in Borno State, troops neutralised 17 more terrorists and seized several motorcycles and logistical supplies.
In Niger State, the army reported that troops thwarted a bandit attack on Warari, a community in Rijau Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses said over 200 armed bandits on motorcycles engaged the soldiers in a prolonged four-hour battle but were decisively defeated.
