A coordinated intelligence-driven operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, has reportedly eliminated a senior Islamic State West Africa Province commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in Ondo State.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other suspected ISWAP members during a surprise raid on the group’s hideout in Owo forest at the weekend.
According to Security sources, the operation disrupted plans allegedly being developed by the group to launch attacks across parts of southern Nigeria.
The sources identified Ohida as a former deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who previously headed ISWAP’s Central Nigeria operations before his arrest by the Department of State Services in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly took charge of the group’s activities across parts of the North Central and southern regions.
Investigators reportedly obtained intelligence on Ohida’s network and planned operations through information gathered during Ikrimah’s interrogation.
The intelligence allegedly indicated plans to attack civilians during the festive period and create instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The operation was also reportedly supported by intelligence from international partners, including the United Kingdom.
Security sources further linked Ohida to several major attacks, including the December 31, 2025, assault on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where attackers reportedly seized eight AK-47 rifles before using explosives to destroy the facility.
He was also allegedly involved in the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, as well as the July 11, 2022 assault on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Other incidents attributed to the suspected commander include 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.
Ohida was further linked to the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, in which two naval personnel were reportedly killed.
Security authorities described his elimination as a major setback for ISWAP’s leadership structure and its attempts to establish a stronger operational foothold in central and southern Nigeria.
The development comes months after the reported killing of another senior Islamic State figure, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, with security sources suggesting that the successive losses could significantly weaken the group’s command structure and expansion plans in Nigeria.
