A combined team of Nigerian security forces conducted a successful counter-terrorism operation in Owo forest, Ondo State, resulting in the elimination of Abdussamad Ohida, a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Ohida, also known as Anwar, was a key figure in planning and executing terrorist operations across Nigeria. The operation was intelligence-led and involved troops from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) officers.
According to security sources, Ohida was on the verge of planning massive terrorist attacks in some southern states before his elimination. He was killed alongside many members of the terrorist organization in a surprise attack on their forest hideout. 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.
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 linked to several terrorist attacks across Nigeria, including the invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station, Owo, Ondo State, on December 31, 2025, and the Suleja-Zuba Road, Niger State military checkpoint attack on July 28, 2022.
Ohida was also blamed for 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 linked to 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 is a big blow to ISWAP's efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria and underscores the growing efficiency of Nigerian security services. Ohida's elimination comes a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki.
The joint operation by the Nigerian Army, DSS, and Amotekun officers demonstrates the commitment of Nigerian security forces to combating terrorism. The operation was a result of collaboration and intelligence sharing between different security agencies. The Nigerian government has been working to strengthen its security agencies and improve intelligence gathering to tackle the growing threat of terrorism.
The killing of Ohida is a significant achievement for Nigerian security forces, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the country's security situation. The government and security agencies will continue to work together to prevent terrorist attacks and maintain peace and stability in Nigeria. Key efforts to combat terrorism include enhanced intelligence gathering and improved collaboration between security agencies.
Key points
- The elimination of Abdussamad Ohida, a senior leader of ISWAP, is a significant blow to the terrorist organization's expansion efforts in Nigeria.
- The joint operation by Nigerian security forces demonstrates the commitment of the government to combating terrorism.
- Ohida's elimination is expected to disrupt ISWAP's leadership structure and operational network in central and southern Nigeria.
