The Nigerian military has carried out a successful intelligence-led operation in Ondo State, resulting in the elimination of a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohidain Owo. According to credible military sources at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the operation was a collaborative effort between the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun officers.
Ohidain Owo, also known as Anwar, was reportedly planning massive terrorist attacks in some southern states before he was killed alongside many members of the terrorist organization. The security forces led a surprise attack on their forest hideout, neutralizing the threat. Prior to his elimination, Ohidain Owo served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Following Abu Ikrimah's arrest, Ohidain Owo assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of North Central and southern Nigeria. He played a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing terrorist operations in the region. The DSS gathered credible intelligence on Ohidain Owo's plans to attack innocent persons during the Yuletide season, which ultimately led to the elimination operation.
The intelligence gathered by the DSS was corroborated by international partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation. According to sources, Ohidain Owo was responsible for several terrorist attacks across Nigeria, including the December 31, 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Ondo State, and the July 28, 2022, Suleja–Zuba Road military checkpoint attack in Niger State.
The elimination of Ohidain Owo represents a significant disruption to ISWAP's leadership structure, operational network, and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria. This operation is a major blow to ISWAP's efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria, and it underscores the growing efficiency of Nigeria's security services.
The Nigerian military has confirmed that troops have dominated the area where the operation took place, with a view to keeping criminal elements off the area. While the Army Spokesperson, Col Appolonia Anele, could not be immediately reached for comment, a senior officer confirmed the military's efforts to secure the region.
The elimination of Ohidain Owo comes a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, and it highlights the Nigerian military's commitment to fighting insurgency and terrorism in the country. The operation demonstrates the military's ability to gather intelligence and conduct successful operations against terrorist leaders.
Key points
- The Nigerian military has eliminated a senior leader of ISWAP in Ondo State, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist organization's expansion efforts.
- The operation was a collaborative effort between the Nigerian Army, DSS personnel, and Western Nigeria Security Network.
- The eliminated ISWAP leader was responsible for several terrorist attacks across Nigeria.
