A senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, has been killed during an intelligence-led security operation in Owo forest, Ondo State.
Ohida was reportedly eliminated at the weekend by a combined team of Nigerian Army troops, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) officers during a surprise attack on an ISWAP hideout.
Security sources said the operation also led to the deaths of several other members of the terrorist group.
According to intelligence sources, Ohida had been preparing to launch major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria. He was reportedly planning attacks on civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide period, with the broader objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections.
How Ohida Rose to ISWAP Leadership
Ohida reportedly previously served as deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was identified as the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader.
The DSS arrested Abu Ikrimah in 2023. Following his arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed a leading role in ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of Nigeria.
Security sources said he subsequently became involved in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist attacks in several states.
Intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais reportedly helped security agencies uncover Ohida’s plans and operational activities.
The sources further said the intelligence was corroborated by international intelligence partners in the United Kingdom, contributing to the operation that resulted in Ohida’s elimination.
Ohida Linked to Series of Attacks
Security sources attributed several major attacks in Nigeria to Ohida.
Among them was the December 31, 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where terrorists reportedly stole eight AK-47 rifles before using explosives to destroy the station.
He was also linked to the July 28, 2022 attack on the Suleja-Zuba Road military checkpoint in Niger State, an incident in which soldiers, security officers and civilians were reportedly killed.
The security sources also attributed the following attacks to the slain ISWAP commander:
- July 11, 2022: Attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
- April 23, 2022: Attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five police officers were killed.
- February 7, 2022: Attack on Okene Area Command Police Station.
- December 24, 2020: Attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the deaths of two naval officers.
The sources said Ohida was also responsible for several other attacks carried out across different parts of the country.
Security Agencies Target ISWAP Expansion
The elimination of Ohida is being viewed by security sources as a major setback to ISWAP’s efforts to strengthen its presence in central and southern Nigeria.
One of the sources described the operation as a significant disruption to the group’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion plans.
The source also linked the development to the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, describing the successive setbacks as a major blow to terrorist efforts to expand their operational footprint in Nigeria.
The operation highlights the growing use of intelligence-led coordination among Nigerian security agencies and their international intelligence partners in targeting senior terrorist commanders.
With Ohida reportedly preparing attacks during the festive period, his elimination could disrupt planned operations and potentially weaken ISWAP’s ability to coordinate attacks in parts of southern and central Nigeria.
Authorities have not publicly released all operational details surrounding the Owo forest raid, but the reported death of a senior ISWAP commander represents a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
