A joint security operation in a forest in Owo, Ondo State, has resulted in the death of Abdussamad Ohida, a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group. The operation was launched after intelligence indicated that Ohida was planning fresh attacks on civilians in some parts of southern Nigeria, particularly during the Yuletide season.
According to security sources, the intelligence that led to the operation was obtained partly from information gathered following the arrest of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, the former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader and Ohida’s superior. Ikrimah was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2023. Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed control of ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern regions.
Ohida was reportedly linked to several attacks in Kogi, Niger, and Ondo States. These included the December 31, 2025, attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where eight AK-47 rifles were stolen before the facility was destroyed with an explosive. He was also accused of involvement in the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State.
The list of attacks attributed to Ohida also includes the July 11, 2022, assault on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, and the April 23, 2022, attack on the Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five policemen were reportedly killed. Furthermore, Ohida was linked to the February 7, 2022, attack on the Okene Area Command and the December 24, 2020, assault on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the deaths of two naval officers.
The operation that led to Ohida’s death involved the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Western Nigeria Security Network known as Amotekun. Security partners in the United Kingdom contributed to the intelligence that led to the operation, which represents a significant setback to ISWAP’s command structure and its efforts to establish a stronger foothold in central and southern Nigeria.
Ohida’s death comes months after another senior Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, was killed, further intensifying pressure on the terrorist group’s leadership and its efforts to expand its activities in Nigeria. The Nigerian security forces have been working to curb the activities of terrorist groups, including ISWAP, which has been responsible for several attacks in the country.
The killing of Ohida is a major blow to ISWAP, which has been trying to expand its operational network in Nigeria. The group has been responsible for several attacks in the country, including those in Kogi, Niger, and Ondo States. The Nigerian security forces will continue to work to prevent further attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- ISWAP leader Abdussamad Ohida killed in Ondo State forest.
- Ohida linked to several attacks in Kogi, Niger, and Ondo States.
- Operation involved Nigerian Army, DSS, and Amotekun.
