Nigerian troops eliminate Boko Haram commander Abu Fatima in Borno

In a major victory against insurgency in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in coordination with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralized a notorious Boko Haram/JAS commander, Abu Fatima, and several of his deputies during a precision military operation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The coordinated land, air, and maritime offensive, carried out in the early hours of Friday, was based on actionable intelligence that pinpointed the location of the terrorist kingpin in Alayaru village, within the Alagarno general area.

According to a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, troops of the Special Forces Battalion spearheaded the assault.

The mission involved heavy engagement with insurgents, including a high-volume exchange of fire that forced many of them to flee.

Troops neutralise over 60 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

The operation was bolstered by air support from OPHK and MNJTF aerial platforms, which provided close air support and real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for ground troops.

As the battle intensified, troops pursued and neutralized three terrorists, including the highly sought-after commander Amir Abu Fatima. His key deputies—Abu Maryam and Abu Modu, who was known as the group’s Improvised Explosive Device (IED) specialist—were also confirmed killed during the operation.

Following the assault, troops recovered a cache of weapons and materials from the terrorists’ hideout. Items seized include motorcycles, AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, hand grenades, assorted ammunition, communication devices, and several IED components such as primed explosives in 4-litre kegs, pressure plates, detonating cords, batteries, and RCIED switches.

Military authorities hailed the success as a testament to the proactive and intelligence-led approach adopted by troops in countering Boko Haram’s evolving tactics and operations.

They also credited the continued collaboration between OPHK forces, MNJTF, and community-led CJTF units for the achievement.

The military has urged the public to continue providing credible information that can aid efforts to eliminate security threats in the region.

This latest operation underscores the Nigerian military’s resolve to dismantle the leadership and operational capabilities of terrorist groups operating in the North East.