A top Boko Haram commander, Abu Nasr—also known as Amir Fiya—was killed in Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area in Borno State, during a foiled terrorist attack.
Troops from the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), successfully repelled an assault by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, killing numerous insurgents. The battle began on the night of Thursday, August 7, and continued into the early hours of Friday, August 8, 2025, resulting in the recovery of various weapons, ammunition, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, and other explosives.
Local sources and OPHK security operatives confirmed that Abu Nasr, who led the infiltration from Cameroon into Rann, was among those neutralized. “With support from air assets, OPHK troops repelled an attack on the Rann community from Thursday night until early Friday morning, eliminating many terrorists who crossed over from Cameroon, including their top commander Abu Nasr,” a source said.
Seven insurgent bodies were recovered during mop-up operations, with blood trails indicating additional casualties.
Sadly, two Nigerian soldiers lost their lives when an RPG fired by the attackers struck their vehicle. “The troops also recovered AK-47 rifles, magazines, RPG bombs, and other explosive devices,” the source added.
Rann, situated about 197 kilometers from Maiduguri and bordering Cameroon, has long been a hotspot for cross-border terrorist activities. Military officials report that troop morale remains high as clearance operations continue in the area.
