Troops Neutralise Senior ISWAP leader, Abdussamad Ohida, in Ondo Forest – DHQ
Nigerian Armed Forces have eliminated a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, during a coordinated security operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced the development on Friday during a monthly briefing with defense correspondents. He highlighted the military’s operational achievements across various conflict zones.
The operation, which took place on October 2, targeted terrorist elements in the forest and resulted in the neutralization of several militants, including Ohida, who served as the deputy to the ISWAP leader in Central Nigeria.
Onoja explained that Ohida had taken over the group’s leadership following the 2023 arrest of its former leader by the Department of State Services. He noted that the deceased was actively involved in planning significant attacks against civilians in multiple states during the upcoming festive season.
The Defence spokesman identified Ohida’s removal as a significant operational success, indicating it would substantially hinder ISWAP’s attempts to expand its presence in Nigeria. This operation is part of the Armed Forces’ ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their leadership, and prevent planned attacks against civilians, especially as the festive season approaches.
