An intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, has killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader, Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo forest, Ondo State.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during a surprise operation on their forest hideout at the weekend, according to security sources. The Nigerian Army has also confirmed his death.
The security sources said Ohida was allegedly planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, including attacks on civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide and attempts to disrupt the 2027 general elections.
According to the sources, intelligence obtained by the DSS through the interrogation of former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, helped expose Ohida’s alleged plans. Ikrimah was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
The intelligence was reportedly corroborated by international partners from the United Kingdom, who also supported the operation, the sources said.
Ohida previously served as deputy to Ikrimah before reportedly assuming a leadership role in ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions following Ikrimah’s arrest.
Security sources said he subsequently played a key role in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist operations in the affected areas.
The sources also linked Ohida to several attacks on security formations and personnel across the country.
Among them was the December 31, 2025, attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken before the station was destroyed with explosives.
He was also allegedly linked to the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, the July 11, 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, and attacks on police formations in Kogi State.
The security sources described Ohida’s elimination as a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure and operational network in central and southern Nigeria.
They said the operation could also hinder the group’s efforts to expand its presence and establish new operational footholds in the region.