A joint team of security forces has eliminated a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province, Abdussamad Ohida, in the Owo forest, Ondo State. The operation, which took place over the weekend, involved a combined team of the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army troops, and Western Nigeria Security Network operatives. Ohida, also known as Anwar, was a key figure in ISWAP's activities across parts of Nigeria.
According to security sources, Ohida was killed alongside many members of the terrorist organization in a surprise attack on their forest hideout. He was on the verge of planning massive terrorist attacks in some southern states. 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 the north-central and southern parts of the country. He played a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing terrorist operations. Through the interrogation of Abu Uwais, the DSS gathered credible intelligence on Ohida's plans to attack innocent persons during the Yuletide.
The intelligence was corroborated by partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation. Ohida planned and executed several attacks, 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.
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 is a big blow to ISWAP's efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria and underscores the growing efficiency of Nigerian security services.
The operation is a follow-up to the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki a few months ago. The Nigerian security forces' success in eliminating Ohida demonstrates their commitment to curbing terrorist activities in the country. The details of the operation are still being gathered, but it is clear that the joint security forces have dealt a significant blow to ISWAP.
Key points
- The elimination of Abdussamad Ohida disrupts ISWAP's leadership structure and expansion efforts in Nigeria.
- Ohida was linked to several terrorist attacks across Nigeria, including the invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station and the attack on Kuje Correctional Centre.
- The operation was a collaborative effort between the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army troops, and Western Nigeria Security Network operatives.
