‘Top Boko Haram Commander, Abu Iklima Captured Like Chicken’

Troops of the Nigerian Army under the camp of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly captured a top Boko Haram commander, Abu Iklima. Naija News understands that before this development, Iklima was in charge of the terrorism activities in Gaizuwa, Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari within the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. According to an expert in counterterrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, Zagazola Makama, the troops successfully dismantled Iklima’s stronghold, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of his militants. “This Abu Iklima, a top commander of Boko Haram, was commanding Gaizuwa, otherwise known as Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari in Bama Local Government Area. “His enclave was severely destroyed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, with hundreds of fighters neutralized. “The man attempted to escape, but he was captured like a chicken,” Makama stated in a statement released on Wednesday night. Earlier, it was reported that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (AC OPFY), neutralized scores of bandits and destroyed their logistics base in Alawa Forest, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The operation carried out on January 21 was initiated based on reliable intelligence and aerial reconnaissance that confirmed the presence of armed terrorists within the forested area. These individuals were associated with violent acts, including two improvised explosive device (IED) attacks that occurred on December 19, 2024, in Bassa, Shiroro Local Government Area, leading to numerous civilian casualties. According to a statement from the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, this operation, designated KONAN DAJI, was part of a continuous three-day air offensive aimed at diminishing the terrorists’ operational capabilities and eliminating their safe havens. “A formation of fighter aircraft was dispatched to carry out precision airstrikes on identified targets in the forest. The strikes resulted in the neutralization of numerous armed bandits and the destruction of their logistics base, confirmed by multiple secondary explosions,” the statement read. The NAF emphasized its ongoing commitment to maintaining operational dominance in the region, in collaboration with ground forces, to ensure the security of communities in Niger State and surrounding areas. Efforts are being intensified to clear the Alawa Forest of all criminal elements and restore peace and stability to the region.