Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended security agencies for a joint operation that led to the killing of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in the Owo forest.
Ohida was reportedly eliminated alongside several other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation involving troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the operation.
Security sources said Ohida, who previously served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, assumed a leadership role in the group’s activities across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria after Ikrimah’s arrest in 2023.
It was further alleged that Ohida was planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, including attacks targeting civilians during the forthcoming festive period.
Reacting to the operation, Aiyedatiwa praised the security agencies for acting on credible intelligence and disrupting the activities of the terrorist group.
The governor said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation among security agencies in confronting emerging threats.
He urged the agencies to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant while assuring them of the continued support of the Ondo State Government.
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to keeping the state safe for residents, visitors and businesses.
He commended the “gallantry, cooperation and intelligence-led operations” of the agencies, saying their efforts remained crucial to protecting lives and property across the state.
The governor also called for continued proactive security measures as agencies work to prevent terrorist groups from expanding their activities into southern Nigeria.
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