Top Boko Haram commander, Abu Fatima killed by Nigerian troops
A Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Amir Abu Fatima, who had a ₦10 million bounty placed on him, has been killed in a targeted military operation by Nigerian troops in the Kukawa area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday via its official X handle.
The operation, which took place on Thursday under Operation Hadin Kai, followed actionable intelligence pointing to the presence of high-ranking terrorists in the area.
The Army said the raid was carried out by Special Forces and led to the elimination of Abu Fatima, his deputy, several explosives specialists, and other fighters.
“In a major counter-terrorism success, Special Forces under Operation HADIN KAI conducted a precision strike on 30 May 2025, targeting a key Boko Haram/ISWAP stronghold in the Kukawa axis of Northern Borno State,” the statement read.
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It added that Abu Fatima was fatally wounded in the firefight. “His deputy, several explosives experts, and multiple other terrorists were also eliminated in the confrontation.”
The Army reported that a cache of arms and materials used for making explosives was recovered at the site.
“Troops recovered several AK-47 rifles, magazines, assorted ordnance, and IED-making materials,” the statement continued.
It confirmed that there were no casualties among the troops involved. “The mission was completed without casualties on its own forces,” it said.
The military described the operation as a significant disruption to terrorist activities in the region. “This operation delivers a significant blow to terrorist leadership in the region and reinforces the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s avowed commitment to restoring peace in the North East.”
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