adminAn intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has reportedly killed a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during a surprise operation on their hideout at the weekend.
According to security sources, Ohida had been planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria ahead of the Yuletide season.
The sources said Ohida previously served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed a leading role in coordinating ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of the country.
Security sources said intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped the DSS uncover alleged plans by Ohida and his associates to attack civilians during the forthcoming festive period and disrupt the 2027 general elections.
The intelligence was reportedly corroborated by international intelligence partners in the United Kingdom, who were said to have provided support for the operation that led to Ohida’s death.
Attacks Linked to ISWAP Commander
One of the security sources attributed several attacks to Ohida, including the December 31, 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly carted away before the station was destroyed with explosives.
Ohida was also allegedly linked to the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several soldiers, security personnel and civilians.
Other attacks attributed to him include the July 11, 2022, assault on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the April 23, 2022, attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, in which five police officers were reportedly killed, and the February 7, 2022, attack on the Okene Area Command Police Station.
The source further alleged that Ohida planned and executed the December 24, 2020, attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the deaths of two naval officers.
Major Setback for ISWAP
The security source described Ohida’s reported elimination as a major setback for ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational network in central and southern Nigeria.
The source said the development could significantly affect the group’s leadership structure and ability to coordinate attacks in the affected regions.
“We may not immediately realise it, but the elimination of Abdussamad Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria,” the source said.
The source added that Ohida’s reported death, coming a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, represented another major blow to the terrorist group’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria.
According to the source, the operation also demonstrates the growing capacity of Nigerian security agencies to gather intelligence, identify terrorist networks and conduct coordinated operations against them.
PressNGR will continue to monitor developments surrounding the operation and provide updates as more official information becomes available.
