A joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, has killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, in Ondo State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation in Owo forest at the weekend, according to security sources. The Army also confirmed the operation.
The operation was reportedly launched after security agencies obtained intelligence about plans by Ohida to carry out attacks on civilians in parts of southern Nigeria during the forthcoming festive period.
Security sources told TheCable that the intelligence also indicated plans to disrupt the 2027 general election. The information was reportedly corroborated by intelligence partners in the United Kingdom, who supported the operation.
Ohida previously served as deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was identified as the former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader before his arrest by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida reportedly assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of Nigeria, where he was allegedly involved in planning and coordinating terrorist operations.
Security sources linked Ohida to several attacks across Ondo, Kogi and Niger states.
He was allegedly involved in the December 31, 2025, attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken before the station was destroyed with explosives.
He was also linked to the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, as well as the July 11, 2022, attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Other attacks attributed to him include the April 23, 2022, assault on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five police officers were reportedly killed, and the February 7, 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command police station.
He was further accused of planning and executing the December 24, 2020, attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two naval officers.
The security sources described Ohida’s elimination as a setback to ISWAP’s leadership structure and its efforts to expand its operations into central and southern Nigeria.
The development comes amid intensified security operations in Ondo State, where authorities have been increasing efforts to prevent terrorist and criminal groups from using forests as hideouts.
