ISWAP leader killed in Ondo as Nigerian Army confirms joint operation.
Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, eliminated in Owo forest raid involving Army, DSS and Amotekun.
AKURE, NIGERIA — The iNews Times | An ISWAP leader killed in Ondo has been confirmed by the Nigerian Army https://www.army.mil.ng, marking a significant blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province’s presence in the Southwest.
The 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure announced that Abdussamad Ohida, a senior commander of the terrorist group also known as Anwar, was eliminated on Sunday during a carefully coordinated joint security operation in a forest near Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area. Several other members of the group were also neutralised in the same raid.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
Islamic State West Africa Province, commonly known as ISWAP, has primarily operated in the Northeast of Nigeria but has in recent years sought to expand influence and logistics networks into other regions. Ondo State, particularly forested areas around Owo, has previously featured in security reports linked to criminal and extremist activity. The joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, reflects the growing reliance on multi-agency collaboration to counter such threats outside traditional hotspots. The confirmation came a day after the Sunday action, underlining the deliberate and intelligence-driven nature of the mission.
Key Developments
According to the 32 Artillery Brigade, the operation targeted a location in the forest surrounding Owo where the ISWAP commander and associated fighters were believed to be operating. Abdussamad Ohida, identified as a senior figure within the group, was killed alongside several other members. The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 32 Artillery Brigade, Major Innocent Olamale, confirmed the outcome to The iNews Times on Monday. He described the action as a joint effort that “intelligently led to the execution of the ISWAP commander.” Details of the precise sequence of events remain limited, with further information expected as military authorities complete post-operation assessments.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Major Innocent Olamale stated clearly: “Yes, it was a joint operation which intelligently led to the execution of the ISWAP commander.” Security sources familiar with the operation told The iNews Times that the collaboration between the Army, DSS and Amotekun demonstrated improved intelligence sharing in the Southwest. A senior Amotekun official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the result as “a clear message that no part of Ondo will serve as a safe haven for terrorists.” Local community leaders in Owo have welcomed the development, expressing relief that a high-value target had been removed from the area.
Implications
The ISWAP leader killed in Ondo carries weight beyond the immediate tactical success. It signals that extremist groups attempting to establish footholds outside the Northeast face determined multi-agency resistance. For residents of Ondo and neighbouring Southwest states, the operation offers reassurance that security agencies are actively disrupting potential threats. Nationally, the development reinforces the importance of coordinated efforts among conventional forces, intelligence services and regional security outfits such as Amotekun. Sustained pressure of this kind can degrade ISWAP’s ability to recruit, move resources or plan attacks in previously less affected regions.
What Happens Next
Military and security authorities are expected to continue clearing operations in the surrounding forest areas and to share additional details once verification processes are complete. Intelligence agencies will likely intensify monitoring of residual networks linked to the late commander. Residents in Owo and nearby communities have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements. The iNews Times will monitor further briefings from the 32 Artillery Brigade and other security formations for updates on the broader security picture in Ondo State.
Conclusion
The confirmation that an ISWAP leader killed in Ondo was a senior commander of the group underscores both the reach of extremist threats and the capacity of Nigerian security forces to respond decisively when intelligence is effectively shared. The joint success involving the Army, DSS and Amotekun stands as a notable achievement in the ongoing effort to protect communities and deny terrorists any space to operate. As more information emerges, The iNews Times will continue to provide accurate and timely coverage of security developments across the nation.
