The dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram’s second-in-command, Momodu Bama, has been killed by troops of the Special Forces, the Defence headquarters claimed on Wednesday.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig Gen Chris Olukolade, claimed that Bama, who is deputy to the sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, was killed during cross-firing between the insurgents and troops along the Bama corridor.
The Defence spokesperson said the deputy leader who has been on the wanted list, was killed along with his father, Abatcha Flatari, and 16 others.
Olukolade stated, “As troops intensify pursuit of terrorists who have been unleashing mayhem in Borno and Yobe communities, the death of Momodu Bama, said to be the Second-in-Command to the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has been confirmed by other arrested terrorists. This followed encounters with the terrorists around the Bama corridor.
“Momodu Bama has been personally leading the attacks against troops and innocent citizens in the communities of Yobe and Adamawa. A specialist in manning the anti-aircraft guns of the group, he is known to be vicious and heartless with a penchant for personally slaughtering and executing his victims. Momodu Bama has been a most wanted terrorist with a N25million bounty already placed on his head.
“Others that died in the operation include Bama’s father, Alhaji Abatcha Flatari, who is also one of the spiritual guiding lights of the outlawed terrorists group. 17 other terrorists also lost their lives in the encounter, while 24 were arrested.
“The troops are continuing the pursuit of the terrorists while intensifying aggressive aerial and land patrols to ensure better security cover for the communities especially in the two states”.