A combined team of Nigerian Army troops, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) officers conducted an intelligence-led operation in Owo forest, Ondo State, at the weekend, resulting in the elimination of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader, Abdussamad Ohida. Ohida, also known as Anwar, was planning massive terrorist attacks in some southern states. The security forces led a surprise attack on their forest hideout, killing Ohida and many of his associates.
According to security sources, Ohida previously served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, 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, playing a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing terrorist operations. His elimination is seen as a significant blow to ISWAP's leadership structure and operational network.
The DSS gathered credible intelligence on Ohida's plans to attack innocent persons during the Yuletide season, which was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom. This intelligence led to the elimination operation. Ohida was responsible for several terrorist attacks across Nigeria, including the December 31, 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station, Owo, Ondo State, and the July 28, 2022, Suleja–Zuba Road, Niger State military checkpoint attack.
Ohida was also linked to the July 11, 2022, attack on Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, and the April 23, 2022, attack on Ogaminana Police Station, Adavi LGA, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of five police officers. Additionally, he was blamed for the February 7, 2022, attack on Okene Area Command police station and the December 24, 2020, attack on a Naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of two naval officers.
The elimination of Abdussamad Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP's leadership structure, operational network, and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria. This operation comes a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, and underscores the growing efficiency of Nigerian security services.
Ohida's elimination is a major achievement for the Nigerian security forces, who have been working to combat terrorism in the country. The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between the Nigerian Army, DSS, and Amotekun in addressing the terrorist threat.
The Nigerian security forces' efforts to eliminate terrorist leaders and disrupt their operations are ongoing. The country continues to face security challenges, but the elimination of Abdussamad Ohida and Abu Bilal al-Minuki demonstrate the progress being made in the fight against terrorism.
Key points
- The elimination of Abdussamad Ohida, a senior ISWAP leader, was a result of an intelligence-led operation by Nigerian security forces in Owo forest, Ondo State.
- Ohida was planning massive terrorist attacks in southern states and was responsible for several previous attacks across Nigeria.
- The operation demonstrates the growing efficiency of Nigerian security services in combating terrorism.
