The Nigerian Army has eliminated a top Boko Haram commander, Abba Alai, also known as the Amirul Khahid of Alafa, during a coordinated military operation in Garin Fallujah and Gwoza, Borno State.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the development on Monday via his official X handle, stating that the operation was conducted by troops of the 21 Armoured Brigade, 199 Special Forces Battalion, and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
According to military sources, the troops launched the offensive based on intelligence that insurgents were regrouping to plan fresh attacks. A senior officer revealed that the army engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, overwhelming them with superior firepower. Abba Alai was among those neutralized as the insurgents attempted to flee.
Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, a DSHK heavy machine gun barrel, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a radio set, a motorcycle, and various medical supplies.
In a separate operation in Gwoza, soldiers blocked an escape route from Sambisa Forest and engaged Boko Haram fighters in Gobara village, forcing them into a disorderly retreat. The troops recovered additional arms, including 57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, three AK-47 rifle magazines, and two prototype firearms suspected to be used in terrorist training.
During the mission, security forces also rescued an elderly woman who had been held hostage by the terrorists for 10 years.
Commending the troops, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the military’s resolve to eliminate insurgency in Nigeria.
“Our forces remain resolute in the fight against terrorism. We will continue to hunt down these criminal elements and restore lasting peace to the region,” he stated.