A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in Ondo State, security sources have said.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed during an intelligence-led operation in the Owo forest area of the state.
Security sources cited by multiple Nigerian news outlets said the operation targeted a suspected ISWAP hideout and resulted in the death of Ohida alongside other members of the group.
Security agencies target terrorist network
According to the reports, Ohida was considered a senior figure within the ISWAP network and was allegedly involved in planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria.
The operation reportedly followed intelligence gathering that enabled security forces to locate the group’s forest position.
Authorities have not publicly released a comprehensive account of the operation, including the identities of all those killed or the quantity of weapons and equipment recovered.
Significance for security operations
The reported killing represents a significant counterterrorism operation if confirmed by the relevant security authorities.
Ondo has increasingly attracted security attention because of concerns about the movement of armed groups and criminal networks through forested areas.
Security agencies are expected to continue intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist cells and preventing attacks on communities.
