Breaking: Nigerian Troops Kill Boko Haram Commander, Malam Jidda, Others, Shares Photos

• Nigerian troops have eliminated another Boko Haram commander, identified as Malam Jidda, in Borno state and recovered arms in multiple operations
• The development followed the intensification of ongoing counterterrorism offensives across the north-east region of Nigeria by the troops
• The troops, in a special operation, made contact with terrorists and neutralised Malam Jidda, who was identified as the leader of the outlaws in Ngorgore and Malumti areas

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 5 years of experience covering the intersection of Africa’s conflict, human rights, and geopolitics.

Maiduguri, Borno state - In the early hours of today, Monday, June 9, troops of Operation Hadin Kai launched simultaneous air and ground attacks on Boko Haram strongholds in Nzalgana, Gujba local government area (LGA).

Legit.ng gathered that troops also launched an offensive against insurgents in the Tumbuktu Triangle, resulting in significant casualties among terrorists and their leaders.

The Nigerian Army shared images following a battle.

It disclosed through a tweet on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle:

"Notably, Ameer Malam Jidda, a top commander in Ngorgore and Malumti Villages, was neutralised."

It added:

"Meanwhile, in Abadam, additional bodies of terrorists and seized weapons were recovered following the recent military operation in Mallamfatori."

Images of slain terrorists can be viewed here.

Nigeria's prolonged battle with insurgents

Legit.ng reports that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters mainly operate in Borno and have attacked both security forces and civilians, killing and displacing tens of thousands of people.

ISWAP split from the mainstream Boko Haram in 2016 to become the dominant armed faction in northeastern Nigeria.

Although weakened by military assaults and internal fighting over the years, Boko Haram and ISWAP have stepped up attacks in Borno since the turn of the year, killing dozens of farmers and fishermen in a series of raids.

The yearslong conflict has killed nearly 40,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast.

The violence spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, leading to the creation of a regional force to fight the armed groups.

Borno governor warns of Boko Haram comeback

Legit.ng recalls that in April, Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno state, warned that Boko Haram is making a comeback after its fighters staged a series of attacks and seized control of some parts of the north-eastern state.

Zulum called for more military assistance for soldiers fighting the insurgency.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government downplayed the governor's fears, saying security in the country has improved in the last 18 months.

Read more on Nigerian security forces' wins against insurgents:

• Nigerian Army crushes 16 Boko Haram terrorists in fierce gun battle
• Top northern senator honours brave troops, donates 3 bulls, cash for repelling Boko Haram attacks
• “129,000 surrender”: Nigerian military rehabilitates 800 ex-Boko Haram terrorists, gives reason

Troops foil terror attacks in Borno

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) destroyed key Boko Haram hideouts in Borno state.

The terrorists' hideouts meant to be used for a coordinated attack were destroyed by NAF airstrikes.

The hideouts were destroyed shortly before the Eid-el-Kabir celebration by Muslims. The NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the hideouts are located at Tumbumma Baba and Chiralia in the Southern Tumbuns.

Source: Legit.ng