Borno Forces Neutralize Boko Haram Leader Abba Alai

Boko Haram Commander Abba Alai Defeated in Borno

Nigerian Army troops from the 21 Armoured Brigade, in collaboration with the 199 Special Forces Battalion and the Civilian Joint Task Force, have successfully eliminated a top Boko Haram commander, Abba Alai, also known as the Amirul Khahid of Alafa, during a coordinated military operation in Borno State.

The operation targeted insurgent strongholds in Garin Fallujah and Gwoza, following credible intelligence that Boko Haram fighters were regrouping to launch attacks. During the assault, security forces engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, leading to heavy casualties among the insurgents, including the death of Abba Alai.

In addition to neutralizing the insurgents, the troops recovered a cache of weapons, including one AK-47 rifle, a DSHK heavy machine gun barrel, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a radio set, a motorcycle, and assorted medical supplies.

In a separate operation in Gwoza Local Government Area, troops blocked an escape route from Sambisa Forest and engaged Boko Haram fighters in Gobara village. The encounter forced the terrorists into a chaotic retreat, leading to the recovery of additional weapons, including 57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, three AK-47 rifle magazines, and two prototype firearms suspected to be used for terrorist training.

During the operation, troops also rescued an elderly woman who had been held hostage by the terrorists for 10 years.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their bravery and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eliminating insurgency in Nigeria. He stated, “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.”