A joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has resulted in the death of Abdussamad Ohida, a high-ranking leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed along with several other ISWAP members in a surprise attack on their hideout in Owo forest, Ondo State, over the weekend. According to security sources, Ohida was planning significant terrorist attacks in southern Nigeria when the operation was carried out.
Ohida had been the deputy to the former ISWAP leader in Central Nigeria, Abu Ikrimah, who was captured by the DSS in 2023. After Ikrimah's arrest, Ohida took charge of ISWAP activities in parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria, playing a crucial role in planning and executing terrorist operations. Sources indicate that Ohida was involved in several previous attacks, including the invasion of the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, on December 31, 2025, where assailants stole eight AK-47 rifles and blew up the station with explosives.
Intelligence gathered from questioning Abu Ikrimah helped the DSS learn about Ohida's plans to target civilians during the upcoming holiday season. The DSS received backing from partners in the United Kingdom, who assisted with the elimination operation. Sources connected Ohida to several attacks, including the assault on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on July 11, 2022, and the attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State on April 23, 2022, which resulted in the deaths of five police officers.
Ohida was also linked to the attack on the Suleja–Zuba Road military checkpoint in Niger State on July 28, 2022, where many soldiers, officers, and civilians lost their lives. Additionally, he was involved in the February 7, 2022, assault on the 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 death of Ohida is expected to significantly impact ISWAP's leadership structure and operational network in central and southern Nigeria. Sources stated that Ohida's elimination comes as a major setback for ISWAP's efforts to grow its presence in Nigeria, highlighting the effectiveness of Nigerian security services. This development follows the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki just months prior.
The joint operation by the Nigerian Army, DSS, and Amotekun demonstrates the collaboration and coordination between different security agencies in Nigeria. The success of this operation is seen as a significant achievement in the fight against terrorism in the country. Further details about the operation and the aftermath of Ohida's death are expected to be revealed in the coming days.
The impact of Ohida's death on ISWAP's activities and the overall security situation in Nigeria will be closely monitored. The Nigerian government and security agencies have been working to combat terrorism and insurgency in the country, with a focus on enhancing collaboration and coordination between different security agencies.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army, DSS, and Amotekun carried out a joint operation that resulted in the death of ISWAP leader Abdussamad Ohida in Ondo State.
- Ohida was planning significant terrorist attacks in southern Nigeria and was involved in several previous attacks, including the invasion of the Ipele Divisional Police Station and the assault on Kuje Correctional Centre.
- The death of Ohida is expected to significantly impact ISWAP's leadership structure and operational network in central and southern Nigeria.
