The Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded major victories against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in October, including the elimination of a senior commander and the repelling of a major assault on Kukawa town in Borno State.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops operating with other security agencies neutralised Abdusahamad Ohida, described as a senior ISWAP leader, during an operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State, on October 2.
According to the military, Ohida had taken over leadership responsibilities in central Nigeria following the arrest of another ISWAP leader by the Department of State Services in 2023.
General Onoja said the terrorist commander was involved in planning major attacks during the forthcoming festive season, adding that his death dealt a significant blow to ISWAP’s expansion plans.
In another major operation, troops supported by the air component repelled an attempted ISWAP infiltration of Kukawa town between October 6 and 7.
The military said 25 terrorists were killed during the prolonged engagement, while several weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered.
In the North-East theatre, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 162 terrorists, arrested 98 suspects, rescued 39 kidnap victims and received the surrender of 68 insurgents during the month.
Military authorities said the growing number of surrenders reflected worsening conditions within terrorist camps, including hunger, hardship and internal clashes among rival factions.
