A joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led surprise raid on their hideout at the weekend.
Security sources said the operation foiled plans by the ISWAP commander to launch attacks in parts of southern Nigeria ahead of the Yuletide season.
Ohida was said to have 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 reportedly took over the coordination of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions, becoming involved in the planning and execution of several terrorist operations.
According to the sources, intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped the DSS uncover Ohida’s alleged plans to attack civilians during the forthcoming festive period and disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The intelligence was reportedly corroborated by the United Kingdom, whose intelligence partners provided support for the operation that resulted in Ohida’s death.
Security sources attributed several attacks to the ISWAP commander.
Among them was the December 31, 2025, attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly stolen before the station was destroyed with explosives.
Ohida was also linked to the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, an assault that reportedly killed 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, which reportedly killed five police officers; and the February 7, 2022, attack on the Okene Area Command police station.
A security 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.
The source described Ohida’s elimination as a major setback to ISWAP’s efforts to establish and expand its operational network in central and southern Nigeria.
“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.
“Ohida’s elimination, coming a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, is a very big blow to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria and underscores the growing efficiency of our security services.”
The operation is expected to further disrupt ISWAP’s attempts to establish footholds in the South and prevent planned attacks during the festive period.