A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, has reportedly killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo Forest, Ondo State. The operation, which was intelligence-led, took place over the weekend and resulted in the death of Ohida, also known as Anwar, alongside several other members of the terrorist group.
According to security sources, the operation foiled plans by Ohida to attack civilians in parts of southern Nigeria during the forthcoming Yuletide season. The sources also alleged that Ohida planned to use the attacks to cause widespread disruption ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ohida's death is seen as a significant blow to ISWAP's activities in central and southern Nigeria.
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 reportedly took over the leadership of ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of the country. He was subsequently alleged to have played a key role in the planning, coordination, and execution of several terrorist attacks across the country.
Intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais enabled the DSS to uncover Ohida's alleged plans to attack civilians during the festive period. The intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation. The sources said Ohida was linked to several attacks on security formations and personnel across the country.
Ohida was alleged to have planned and executed the December 31, 2025, invasion of the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly carted away before the station was destroyed with an explosive. He was also linked to the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several soldiers, security personnel, and civilians.
Other attacks allegedly linked to Ohida included the July 11, 2022, attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja; the April 23, 2022, attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five police officers were killed; and the February 7, 2022, attack on the Okene Area Command Police Station. Additionally, Ohida was alleged to have planned and executed the December 24, 2020, attack on a Naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of two naval officers.
The source described Ohida's reported death as a setback to ISWAP's activities in central and southern Nigeria. 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 development is expected to impact the terrorist group's ability to plan and execute attacks in the region.
Key points
- The Nigerian security forces have killed a top ISWAP commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in an intelligence-led operation in Ondo State.
- Ohida was planning to attack civilians during the Yuletide season and disrupt the 2027 general elections.
- His death is seen as a significant blow to ISWAP's activities in central and southern Nigeria.
