Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commended security agencies after a joint operation killed a senior operative of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in a forest near Owo.
The operation, carried out over the weekend, involved personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, according to security and state-government officials.
The slain militant, identified as Abdussamad Ohida and also known as Anwar, was described by security sources as a senior ISWAP figure and a former deputy to Abu Ikrimah, the group’s Central Nigeria leader.
Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, was arrested by the DSS in 2023, the sources said.
Security officials said Ohida and several other suspected members of the group were killed after forces launched a surprise assault on their hideout in the Owo forest.
They said he had been suspected of planning large-scale attacks in parts of southern Nigeria.
Gvernor Aiyedatiwa said the operation illustrated the importance of intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies as threats once largely concentrated in Nigeria’s northeast show signs of spreading into other regions.
“The successful operation underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing and proactive security measures in confronting emerging security threats,” the Governor said in a statement issued by Idowu Ajanaku, the state commissioner for information and orientation.
The Governor said his administration remained committed to protecting residents, visitors and businesses in the state, and urged security agencies to sustain their vigilance.
He also pledged continued support for law-enforcement and security institutions working to prevent attacks and maintain public safety across Ondo State.
