Aiyedatiwa commends security agencies over killing of ISWAP commander in Ondo
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commended the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, following the killing of a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, alias Anwar, in Owo Forest.
Ohida was killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led joint operation in the forest at the weekend.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the operation, describing it as a joint operation involving its troops, DSS operatives and Amotekun personnel.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the security agencies for their gallantry, cooperation and intelligence-led approach to tackling emerging security threats in the state.
Security sources said Ohida previously served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida was said to have assumed a leadership role in ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of the country.
The sources further alleged that Ohida was planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, including attacks on civilians during the forthcoming festive period.
The intelligence reportedly helped security agencies track the terrorist commander to his forest hideout in Owo.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the successful operation underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing and proactive measures in confronting security challenges before they escalate.
He praised the security agencies for acting swiftly on credible intelligence, stressing that their efforts remained critical to protecting the lives and property of residents of Ondo State.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for residents, visitors and businesses across the state.
Aiyedatiwa urged the security agencies to sustain the momentum and remain vigilant, assuring them of the continued support and cooperation of the state government in the collective effort to safeguard Ondo State.
