Troops Kill Boko Haram/ISWAP Commander Ibn Khalid, Others In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai Joint Taskforce North-East have killed several terrorists, including senior Quiad Commander Ibn Khalid and a cameraman, in a fierce encounter in Bitta, Gwoza local government area of Borno State.

The troops also successfully foiled an attempt by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to infiltrate Mungonu in Monguno local government area in the northern part of the state.

According to the Spokesman of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the troops, while on pursuit of the fleeing terrorists after the fierce enciunter in Monguno, observed traces of blood along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes.

He said items recovered during the exploitation include large quantity of 7.62 millimeter special ammunition, 1 PKT belt, 1 AK- 47 riffle magazine, and rocket propelled grenade bomb and other sundry items.

Capt. Kovangiya added that in the other encounter, the troops at Bitta, foiled a deadly terrorists’ infiltration attack, saying that the resilient troops engaged the insurgents with superior fire power, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists, among whom was a senior Quiad Commander, Ibn Khalid and their cameraman.

The Operation Hadin Kai Spokesman said in the statement: “In a courageous show of gallantry, the troops of OPHK deployed in Monguno, have successfully foiled terrorists’ infiltration attack into Monguno.

“The troops while on pursuit of the fleeing terrorists, also observed traces of blood along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes. Items recovered during the exploitation include; large quantity of 7.62 millimeter special ammunition, 1 PKT belt, 1 AK-47 rifle magazine, Rocket Propelled Grenade Bomb and other sundry items.

“Similarly, troops at Bitta foiled a deadly terrorists’ infiltration attack. The resilient troops during the attempted infiltration, engaged the insurgents with superior fire power, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists, among whom was a senior Quiad Commander, Ibn Khalid and also their cameraman.

“Troops also recovered weapons, AK 47 magazines and the terrorists’ camcorder while exploitation continued to ensure the terrorists are denied freedom of action. In other subsidiary operations within the period, a total of 17 terrorists were neutralised in various offensives from the Sambisa enclaves up to Madagali and kaga LGAs with several logistic items and motorcycles also captured.”

Kovangiya added that the military higher authorities commended the troops for their show of resilience, and urged them to sustain the fight against the insurgents.