ONDО, NIGERIA — Security agencies have reportedly eliminated a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, during an intelligence-led operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
Ohida was killed alongside several other suspected ISWAP members when a joint security team comprising Nigerian Army troops, operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, raided the terrorist group’s hideout.
According to security sources, the operation was carried out following intelligence indicating that Ohida was allegedly planning coordinated attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, particularly during the forthcoming Yuletide celebrations.
Ohida was reportedly a former deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria commander, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed a leadership role in ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of the country.
Security sources said intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais provided investigators with important information about Ohida’s activities, movements and alleged plans.
One source claimed that the group intended to attack civilians during the festive period and subsequently disrupt the 2027 general elections. The intelligence was reportedly corroborated by international partners in the United Kingdom who supported the operation.
Linked to Multiple Attacks
Security sources also accused Ohida of involvement in several attacks against security formations and personnel across Nigeria.
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He was allegedly responsible for planning and executing the December 31, 2025, attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State. During the attack, several AK-47 rifles were reportedly stolen before explosives were used to destroy the station.
Ohida was also alleged to have participated in the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, where soldiers, other security personnel and civilians were reportedly killed.
Other attacks attributed to him include the July 11, 2022, assault 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 reportedly killed, and the February 7, 2022, attack on the Okene Area Command Police Station.
Security sources further linked Ohida to the December 24, 2020, attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two naval officers.
Major Blow to ISWAP
The reported elimination of Ohida is being described by security sources as a significant setback to ISWAP’s efforts to strengthen its presence and establish an operational network in central and southern Nigeria.
A security source said the operation could significantly disrupt the group’s leadership structure, command network and ability to coordinate attacks outside its traditional areas of operation.
The development reportedly comes months after the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, further putting pressure on the terrorist group’s leadership and operational capabilities.
Security authorities are expected to continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at identifying and dismantling terrorist cells, disrupting their networks and preventing attacks on civilians and security personnel across the country.
Authorities have not publicly released all operational details surrounding the raid, and some of the allegations against Ohida could not be independently verified at the time of this report.
