By Stephen Simon
A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has eliminated a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, in Ondo State.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed during an intelligence-led operation in Owo forest at the weekend, according to security sources. Several other members of the terrorist group were also reportedly killed during the operation.
The sources said Ohida had been operating across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria and was allegedly planning attacks in several southern states.
He reportedly took over ISWAP operations in the area after the arrest of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, by the DSS in 2023. Intelligence reportedly obtained from the interrogation of Ikrimah helped security agencies uncover Ohida’s activities and planned operations.
According to the security sources, Ohida was allegedly preparing attacks against civilians during the coming Yuletide period, with the broader objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections.
The sources also linked him to several previous attacks, including the 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, attacks on military and police formations in Niger and Kogi states, and the 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Security officials described his elimination as a major setback for ISWAP’s attempts to expand its operational presence in central and southern Nigeria.
