Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commended security agencies for the elimination of a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in the Owo forest.

Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during a security operation by the Joint Task Force(JTF),  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.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for information and orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku on Monday.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Army has confirmed the operation.

According to the Ondo State Government, security sources identified Ohida as a former deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais.
Ohida was said to assumed a leadership role in the activities of the group across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria following Ikrimah’s arrest in 2023.

They 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 development, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the security agencies for acting on credible intelligence and sustaining operations aimed at protecting residents of the state.

According to him, “The successful operation underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing and proactive security measures in confronting emerging security threats.”

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining the safety and security of residents, visitors and businesses across Ondo State.

He also urged the security agencies to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant, assuring them of the continued support of the state government.

Aiyedatiwa said the government would continue to collaborate with security agencies in the collective effort to protect lives and property across the state.