Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly captured Abu Iklima, a senior Boko Haram commander, following an offensive that dismantled his stronghold and killed hundreds of his fighters in Borno State. Abu Iklima was reportedly in charge of Boko Haram operations in Gaizuwa, also known as Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari, all located in the Bama Local Government Area.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert specializing in the Lake Chad Basin, Iklima’s enclave was targeted and destroyed during military operation Operation Hadin Kai. Hundreds of his fighters were reportedly killed in the assault. Reports also indicate that Iklima attempted to flee but was apprehended by Nigerian troops.
Makama described the capture, stating, “He attempted to escape but was captured like a chicken.”
This Abu Iklima a top Commander of Boko Haram Commanding Gaizuwa, otherwise known as Mantari, Gabchari, Kashimiri, and Maimusari in Bama Local Government.
His enclave was severely destroyed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai with hundreds of fighters barbecued. The man attempted… pic.twitter.com/zuV7hIZ7fz
— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) January 22, 2025
The operation was part of Operation Hadin Kai, an ongoing military campaign to eliminate Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in northeastern Nigeria. The campaign has reportedly resulted in significant losses for insurgent groups in the region.
Abu Iklima was a top figure in Boko Haram, allegedly commanding operations in multiple areas within the Bama Local Government Area. These regions have long been hotspots for insurgent activity, including attacks on civilians and military forces.
Operation Hadin Kai has intensified its offensive against Boko Haram in recent months, combining ground assaults with aerial support to dismantle insurgent infrastructure. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), working alongside ground forces, has conducted precision airstrikes under operations such as KONAN DAJI, targeting armed groups and their logistics bases in northern Nigeria.
While the capture of Abu Iklima occurred in Borno State, the Nigerian Air Force also carried out a related offensive in Niger State on January 21. The operation targeted bandits in Alawa Forest, linked to earlier improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in December 2024. Fighter aircraft neutralized scores of bandits and destroyed their logistics base, with secondary explosions confirming the destruction of munitions.
According to Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, this three-day operation aimed to degrade the operational capabilities of armed groups in the area and ensure regional security.
