The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in Ondo State.
Ohida was killed on Sunday during a joint security operation conducted in a forest around Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Several other members of the terrorist group were also reportedly killed during the operation, which involved troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services and personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps.
The operation was said to have been intelligence-driven, leading security operatives to the location where the ISWAP commander and other members of the group were found.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Major Innocent Olamale, confirmed the development on Monday.
Olamale, who spoke by telephone, described the operation as a coordinated effort involving the three security agencies.
He said, “Yes, it was a joint operation which intelligently led to the execution of the ISWAP commander.”
The killing of Ohida is considered a significant development in the ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt the activities of terrorist groups and prevent their expansion into new areas.
The Army did not immediately disclose further details about the operation, including the exact number of terrorists killed or whether additional arrests were made.
Further details on the operation are expected from the security agencies.