Jubilation as troops neutralise ISWAP commander, many terrorists planning attack

Nigerians have expressed pride in their troops after the neutralization of a high-ranking leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, praised President Bola Tinubu and the military high command, led by General Olufemi Oluyede, for establishing a Division of the Nigerian Army in the state.

The terrorist leader, Abdussamad Ohida, commonly known as Anwar, was reportedly killed during a covert operation in Ondo State. Ohida, who was part of a terrorist network responsible for several attacks across Nigeria, is believed to have plotted an attack on parts of the southern region. Security sources claim that he masterminded a 31st December 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where they stole weapons and destroyed the station using explosives.

In response to the death of the terrorist commander, a farmer, Aliyu Garba, thanked God for clearing the terrorists' commanders one by one, urging Nigerians to support the military in their fight against terrorism. A retired police officer added that Ohida's plot was to attack civilians during the festive season and disrupt the 2027 general elections.

The elimination of ISWAP leader follows the arrest of his deputy, Abu Ikrimah, who was taken into custody in 2023. Traditional rulers in Katsina State have also lauded the military and other agencies for preventing a mass abduction attempt in Bakori Local Government Area. They acknowledged the importance of collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities in protecting farming settlements and disrupting criminal networks.