Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun and Oyo states have intensified forest patrols, intelligence-sharing and border surveillance following the killing of suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in Owo forest, Ondo State. The development has renewed concerns over the use of forests and inter-state corridors by terrorist and criminal groups.
Key highlights
- ISWAP commander Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed in Owo forest, Ondo State.
- The operation was conducted by a joint team involving the Nigerian Army, DSS and Amotekun.
- Security sources said Ohida was a senior ISWAP commander operating across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria.
- The operation reportedly also killed other members of the group.
- Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun and Oyo have stepped up forest combing and border surveillance following the operation.
- In August, security agencies rescued 308 abducted Nigerians from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in Niger State.
- President Bola Tinubu described the August operation as the largest single-day rescue operation conducted by the joint security team.
- Security sources have alleged that Ohida was planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, although those claims have not been presented in a public charge sheet.
- Authorities are increasing intelligence-sharing to prevent armed groups from exploiting forests and inter-state routes.
ISWAP commander killed in Ondo forest
The killing of Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, followed an intelligence-led operation in Owo forest in Ondo State.
According to the Nigerian Army, the operation was jointly conducted by security agencies, with personnel from the Army, Department of State Services and the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, taking part.
Major Innocent Olamale, spokesperson for the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, confirmed that the operation resulted in the death of the suspected ISWAP commander and other members of the group.
The operation was carried out at the weekend following intelligence concerning the group’s activities in the forest.
Security agencies intensify South-West forest patrols
The killing has prompted renewed security measures across the South-West.
Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun and Oyo states have increased forest patrols, intelligence gathering, border monitoring and surveillance along routes connecting the states.
The measures are aimed at preventing terrorist groups, kidnappers and other criminal elements from using forest reserves and remote corridors as operational bases.
Ogun State has also increased intelligence-led patrols around forests and border communities following the Ondo operation.
The increased cooperation reflects growing concern that criminal groups operating in one state could move through forest routes into neighbouring states.
Security sources link Ohida to ISWAP operations
Security sources identified Ohida as a senior ISWAP figure who allegedly operated in parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria.
Sources cited by Channels Television and other Nigerian media said he previously served as deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was described as an ISWAP leader in Central Nigeria and was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Security sources further alleged that intelligence obtained during investigations helped security agencies uncover Ohida’s activities.
However, claims concerning specific planned attacks remain intelligence allegations and have not been publicly tested through a formal charge sheet or court proceedings.
Security sources allege plans for attacks in southern Nigeria
Security sources cited in reports said Ohida was allegedly preparing attacks in parts of southern Nigeria during the festive period.
The sources also alleged that the group was considering attacks that could affect the 2027 general elections.
The allegations have not been independently established in court, and authorities have not publicly released a detailed charge sheet setting out the specific plans attributed to Ohida.
His death nevertheless comes amid increased concern among South-West security authorities over the movement of armed groups through forested areas.
Tinubu earlier welcomed rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians
The latest security operation comes less than two months after security agencies rescued 308 abducted Nigerians from the Kainji Lake National Park forest in Niger State.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the rescue on August 5, describing it as the largest single-day recovery carried out by the joint security team.
The rescued victims included 163 people abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 people from Niger State.
The operation was coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre and involved the Armed Forces, DSS and Nigeria Police Force.
The victims were subsequently taken for medical attention at Wawa Cantonment before arrangements for reunification with their families.
Tinubu orders stronger early-warning systems
Following the August rescue, President Tinubu directed security agencies to strengthen early-warning mechanisms, community-level intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities.
The Presidency said the measures were intended to prevent future mass abductions and improve the ability of security agencies to detect threats before attacks occur.
The directive has added significance following the latest operation in Ondo, where intelligence reportedly helped security agencies locate the suspected ISWAP hideout.
Forests remain a security concern across states
The developments in Niger and Ondo have highlighted the security challenge posed by large forested areas that cross administrative boundaries.
While the August rescue and the October Owo operation were separate incidents, both involved security operations in forest environments.
The South-West states are now increasing cooperation around forest routes and border communities to prevent armed groups from exploiting gaps between state security jurisdictions.
Security agencies are expected to continue forest-combing operations and intelligence-led surveillance as authorities assess possible threats to communities across the region.
South-West states strengthen security cooperation
The killing of the suspected ISWAP commander in Ondo has therefore triggered a wider security response beyond Owo.
Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun and Oyo are strengthening intelligence-sharing and surveillance along inter-state corridors while security agencies continue monitoring forests and other remote areas.
Authorities have not indicated that a wider terrorist attack is imminent, but the intensified patrols reflect concerns about the ability of armed groups to use forest networks to move between states.
Further security operations are expected as agencies work to identify and disrupt other criminal or terrorist cells operating in the region.
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