Nigerian Army troops from the 21 Armoured Brigade, in collaboration with the 199 Special Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force, have secured major victories in their ongoing counterterrorism campaign.
In coordinated operations in Garin Fallujah and Gwoza, Borno State, the forces eliminated a high-ranking Boko Haram commander, Abba Alai (also known as Amirul Khahid of Alafa), and neutralized several insurgents.
Based on reliable intelligence, the clearance mission targeted a well-defended terrorist stronghold where militants were regrouping to plan further attacks.
The troops launched a decisive assault, engaging in fierce combat that overwhelmed the insurgents, who attempted to flee but incurred heavy casualties. Abba Alai, notorious for orchestrating deadly attacks across the region, was among those neutralized during the operation.
The operation yielded a cache of weaponry and equipment, including one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one radio set, a barrel from a DSHK heavy machine gun, one motorcycle, and assorted medical supplies.
In a separate operation within the Gwoza Local Government Area, forces deployed as a blocking unit to prevent the escape of terrorists from the Sambisa Forest.
In an engagement in Gobara village, insurgents were forced into a chaotic retreat, allowing troops to recover 57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three AK-47 magazines, a locally fabricated dane gun, and two prototype firearms believed to have been intended for terrorist training.
Additionally, during this operation, troops rescued an elderly woman who had been held captive by the terrorists for 10 years.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their relentless pursuit of terrorists and reaffirmed the military’s steadfast commitment to eliminating insurgency in Nigeria.
