A joint operation by Nigerian Army troops, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) officers has resulted in the killing of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader, Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo town, Ondo State. Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly planning massive terrorist attacks in some southern states. The operation was conducted in a forest hideout, where Ohida and several of his foot soldiers were killed.
According to security sources, Ohida previously served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais. After Ikrimah's arrest by the DSS in 2023, 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. The DSS gathered intelligence on Ohida's plan to attack innocent persons during the Yuletide season, which was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom.
The intelligence revealed that Ohida's plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and disrupt the 2027 general elections. The elimination operation was supported by the United Kingdom, and it is considered a significant blow to ISWAP's efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria. Ohida was linked to several previous attacks, including the invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, on December 31, 2025.
Ohida was also linked to the Suleja–Zuba Road, Niger State military checkpoint attack on July 28, 2022, in which several soldiers, officers, and civilians were killed. Additionally, he was connected to the attack on Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, on July 11, 2022, and the attack on Ogaminana Police Station, Adavi LGA, Kogi State, on April 23, 2022, which resulted in the death of five police 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. Ohida's killing, coming a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, is a big blow to ISWAP's efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria.
The growing efficiency of Nigeria's security services was underscored by the successful operation. The joint operation by the Nigerian Army, DSS, and Amotekun demonstrates the collaboration and coordination between security agencies in the country. The killing of Ohida is a testament to the efforts of the security services to combat terrorism in Nigeria.
The impact of Ohida's elimination on ISWAP's operations is yet to be fully assessed, but it is clear that it will have a significant effect on the group's ability to plan and execute attacks in Nigeria. The security services will likely continue to monitor the situation and take steps to prevent further terrorist attacks.
Key points
- The killing of Abdussamad Ohida, a senior ISWAP leader, in Ondo forest has foiled planned terrorist attacks in Southern Nigeria.
- Ohida was linked to several previous attacks, including the invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station and the Suleja–Zuba Road military checkpoint attack.
- The elimination of Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP's leadership structure and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.
