A joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) officers has resulted in the elimination of a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo forest, Ondo State. Ohida, also known as Anwar, was planning massive terrorist attacks in southern states. The operation, described as an intelligence-led effort, caught the terrorist group off guard, leading to the death of Ohida and several of his associates.
According to security sources, Ohida previously served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais. Ikrimah was arrested by the DSS in 2023, after which Ohida 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 sources revealed that Ohida was responsible for several attacks, including the invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, and the Suleja–Zuba Road military checkpoint attack in Niger State.
The elimination of Ohida was made possible through intelligence gathered from the interrogation of Abu Uwais, which was corroborated by international partners from the United Kingdom. The intelligence indicated that Ohida planned to attack civilians during the festive period and disrupt the 2027 general elections. The operation that led to Ohida's death was a collaborative effort between Nigerian security agencies and their international partners.
Ohida's role in several terrorist attacks across Nigeria has been confirmed by security sources. He was 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.
The significance of Ohida's elimination cannot be overstated, as it represents a major blow to ISWAP's leadership structure and operational network in central and southern Nigeria. This development comes a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, further weakening ISWAP's efforts to expand its presence in Nigeria.
The growing efficiency of Nigerian security services has been highlighted by this operation, demonstrating their capability to collaborate and share intelligence to counter terrorist threats. The success of this operation underscores the importance of continued cooperation between security agencies and international partners in the fight against terrorism.
The Nigerian government has not officially commented on the operation, but sources close to the security agencies have expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that it will significantly disrupt ISWAP's expansion efforts in Nigeria. The elimination of Abdussamad Ohida is seen as a critical step in maintaining national security and stability, particularly during the yuletide season and upcoming elections.
Key points
- The operation that led to Ohida's death was a collaborative effort between Nigerian security agencies and their international partners.
- Ohida was planning to attack civilians during the festive period and disrupt the 2027 general elections.
- The elimination of Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP's leadership structure, operational network, and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.
