A joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) 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 in a surprise assault on their hideout in Owo forest, Ondo State. According to security sources, Ohida was planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria when the security forces launched the operation.
Ohida served as deputy to the former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023. Following Ikrimah's arrest, Ohida assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria. He allegedly played a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing terrorist operations in the region. The sources said Ohida's elimination would significantly disrupt ISWAP's leadership structure, operational network, and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.
Intelligence obtained from the interrogation of Abu Ikrimah helped the DSS uncover Ohida's plans to attack civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide. The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections. This intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation. The sources attributed several past attacks to Ohida, including the December 31, 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State.
Ohida was also linked to the July 28, 2022, attack on the Suleja–Zuba Road military checkpoint in Niger State, in which several soldiers, officers, and civilians were killed. Other attacks attributed to him included the July 11, 2022, assault on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja; the April 23, 2022, attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State; and the February 7, 2022, attack on the Okene Area Command police station.
The terrorist planned and executed the December 24, 2020, attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of two naval officers. Ohida's killing, coming a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, is a significant blow to ISWAP's efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria. The growing efficiency of Nigerian security services was also highlighted.
The joint operation by the Nigerian Army, DSS, and Amotekun demonstrates the commitment of Nigerian security agencies to combat terrorism in the country. The operation was a result of months of intelligence gathering and surveillance. The security agencies have been working together to prevent terrorist attacks and maintain peace and stability in Nigeria.
The killing of Ohida is a major achievement for Nigerian security forces, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the security situation in the country. The government has been working to strengthen its security agencies and improve their capabilities to combat terrorism and other security challenges. The operation is a testament to the government's commitment to protecting its citizens and maintaining peace and stability in the country.
Key points
- The killing of ISWAP leader Abdussamad Ohida is a significant blow to the terrorist group's expansion efforts in Nigeria.
- Ohida was planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria when security forces launched the operation.
- The joint operation by Nigerian security agencies demonstrates their commitment to combat terrorism in the country.
