Special Forces under Operation Hadin Kai on Friday neutralised key Boko Haram/ISWAP leader, Abu Fatima who has a ₦100 million bounty on his head.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, in a statement issued Friday
revealed that the troops conducted a precision strike targeting a key Boko Haram/ISWAP stronghold in the Kukawa axis of Northern Borno State.
He stressed that the operation, based on credible intelligence, aimed to neutralise Amir Abu Fatima, a notorious terrorist commander who has a ₦100 million bounty on his head.
He noted that during the intense exchange of fire, Abu Fatima, was fatally wounded by gunfire, while his deputy, several explosives experts, and multiple other terrorists were also eliminated in the confrontation.
Troops recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines, assorted ordnance, and IED-making materials.
The army added that the mission was completed without casualties on own forces.
It said this operation delivers a significant blow to terrorist leadership in the region and reinforced the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s avowed commitment to restoring peace in the North East.
Kovangiya noted: “In yet another significant feat, land, maritime, and air components troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have eliminated a wanted JAS/BHT Commander, Abu Fatima and his deputies in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, in the early hours of today, 30 May 2025.
“The sting operation led by Special Forces Battalion was conducted following credible intelligence on the activities of the terrorists’ kingpin at Alayaru village, around the Alagarno general area.
“During the operation, troops launched a fierce air and land assault on the terrorists exchanging high volume of fire that overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to flee in disarray.
“The Air Component platforms scrambled overhead troops to provide support, while intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance was also provided by the MNJTF air assets.
“Consequently, the determined troops pursued the terrorists, neutralising three including the wanted commander Amir Abu Fatima, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
“Additionally, his deputies Abu Maryam and Abu Modu, the terrorists’ Improvised Explosive Device expert, were revealed to be among the killed in action by troops at Alayaru.”
Kovangiya added that at the end of the operations, troops recovered motorcycles, AK-47 Rifles with magazines, hand Grenade, assorted ammunition, a radio, phones motorcycle spare tyre, primed IED in 4 litre kegs, pressure plate, batteries, RCIED Switch, Sappers Cable, detonating cord and other IED making materials.