In a major counterinsurgency operation, the Nigerian Army has eliminated Abba Alai, a top Boko Haram commander known as the Amirul Khahid of Alafa, in Garin Fallujah and Gwoza, Borno State.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed this on his official X handle, revealing that troops of the 21 Armoured Brigade, alongside the 199 Special Forces Battalion and the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out the mission based on intelligence reports that insurgents were regrouping for an attack.
A military source confirmed to Makama that, “Our troops conducted a well-planned assault on the terrorist stronghold, engaging them in a fierce gun battle. Overpowered by superior firepower, the insurgents attempted to flee but suffered heavy casualties, including their commander, Abba Alai.”
During the operation, troops recovered a cache of weapons, including an 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, soldiers intercepted Boko Haram fighters escaping from Sambisa Forest and engaged them in Gobara village.
The insurgents retreated chaotically, leaving behind more weapons, including 57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, three AK-47 rifle magazines, and two prototype firearms believed to be used for training.
Additionally, the troops rescued an elderly woman who had been held hostage by Boko Haram for 10 years.
Commending the soldiers, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eradicating insurgency.
“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,” Oluyede stated.
