By Asaye Bankole
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a senior commander of their Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, during a joint security operation in Ondo State.
Ohida was reportedly killed on Sunday in a forested area around Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area, during an intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Major Innocent Olamale, confirmed the development on Monday.
Olamale said the operation was carefully planned and executed based on intelligence gathered by the participating security agencies. He confirmed that the primary target of the operation was the ISWAP commander.
“Yes, it was a joint operation which intelligently led to the execution of the ISWAP commander,” he said.
Several other members of the terrorist group were also reportedly killed during the operation, although the security agencies had yet to provide the identities or exact number of additional casualties.
According to reports, security personnel moved into the forest after receiving intelligence indicating that ISWAP elements were operating in the area.
The operation reportedly disrupted the group’s activities around the Owo axis.
Ohida was said to have become an influential ISWAP figure in parts of the North-Central and southern regions following the arrest of his former superior, identified as Abu Ikrimah.
Security sources had reportedly linked him to the planning and coordination of terrorist activities in areas where the group was attempting to expand its operations.
His reported death comes amid intensified efforts by Nigerian security agencies to prevent terrorist organisations from establishing operational bases in the South-West and other parts of southern Nigeria.
The development is also being viewed as a significant security operation in Ondo State, given concerns over attempts by terrorist groups to establish networks outside their traditional areas of activity.
The joint operation involving the Army, DSS and Amotekun highlights the increasing emphasis on intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling emerging security threats.
However, the security authorities have not yet released further details concerning the operation, including the number of weapons or other materials recovered from the terrorists.
Further information is expected as the relevant security agencies continue their assessment of the operation and investigate the activities of other suspected ISWAP members operating in the area.
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