By Augustine Ehikioya
Embarking on counter-terrorism operations, the courageous troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating in Sector 3, Monguno, Nigeria, have successfully neutralized Abu Fatima, a high-profile terrorist Commander.
A bounty of N100 million was earlier placed on his head.
Abu Fatima was killed during the operation that took place in the early hours of Friday in the Northern region of Borno State.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Public Information Officer, MNJTF, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said that the meticulously planned mission focused on the Kukawa axis near the Lake Chad region and was executed by the elite units of the 19 Brigade and Air Component.
“The primary goal was to eliminate Abu Fatima, a key architect behind numerous attacks in the area.
“Upon engaging with the terrorists, the troops were met with gunfire. However, they swiftly retaliated with overwhelming force, resulting in the capture of the notorious leaders Abu Fatima, Abu Maryam, and Abu Modu, all of whom sustained serious injuries. Many of their associates fled in chaos.
“Later Abu Fatima and his two deputies succumbed to their injuries due to significant blood loss. It is noteworthy that Abu Fatima was implicated in several IED attacks against our forces, including a recent incident that claimed the lives of five soldiers.
“The operation yielded substantial recoveries, including two primed IEDs contained in 4-litre kegs, one pressure plate, two motorcycles (one with a spare tyre), three AK-47 rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, and one hand grenade.
“Additionally, the troops recovered a PKT ammo belt with 22 rounds, 48 rounds of 7.62 MM Special ammunition, three bandoliers, one push-to-talk radio, and a mobile phone, along with six AA batteries, detonation cords, and various IED fabrication materials.
“Abu Fatima was a top priority on the security agencies’ most-wanted list due to his involvement in numerous high-profile terrorist activities across the Lake Chad basin.
“His elimination represents a significant blow to terrorist operations in the region and highlights our unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security,” it stated.
The Force Commander, Major General Godwin Mutkut, praised the bravery and dedication of all troops involved in this vital operation and urged them to remain resolute in their collective mission to eradicate terrorist threats.
“This operation marks a crucial advancement in the ongoing military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and reestablish stability in the Lake Chad region.
“The MNJTF remains steadfast in its mission and will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and security of all communities in the area.” the statement said.
Another statement on the same terrorist, issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, reads “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 the 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 were also provided by the MNJTF air assets.
“Consequently, the determined troops pursued the terrorists, neutralising 3 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.
“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.”
The joint intelligence-led operation, the statement said, signified the dynamic posture adopted by troops of OPHK, in collaboration with MNJTF and CJTF, to counter the terrorists’ tactics, techniques and procedures.
“The general public is urged to continue providing troops with credible information, that would assist them in containing the security threats in the North East Theatre of operations.” the statement stated.