A joint security operation involving personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, has reportedly eliminated a suspected senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ondo State.
The operation, described as intelligence-led, was carried out in a forested area of Owo over the weekend. The suspected commander, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed alongside other suspected members of the terrorist organisation.
Security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama said Ohida had allegedly been planning major attacks in parts of southern Nigeria.
The sources further claimed that Ohida previously served as deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was identified as the former ISWAP leader for Central Nigeria and was arrested by the DSS.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed a leadership role in ISWAP operations across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria.
He was reportedly involved in the planning, coordination and execution of several terrorist operations in the affected regions.
According to the security sources, intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped security agencies uncover Ohida’s activities and alleged plans for further attacks.
The sources claimed that Ohida was preparing attacks targeting civilians during the upcoming festive period, with an alleged wider objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections.
They added that intelligence from international partners, including the United Kingdom, was used to support the operation that led to his elimination.
SUSPECTED INVOLVEMENT IN PREVIOUS ATTACKS
Security sources also linked Ohida to several attacks carried out in different parts of Nigeria.
Among the incidents he was allegedly involved in was the December 31, 2025 attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State.
The attack reportedly resulted in the seizure of eight AK-47 rifles, while explosives were allegedly used to destroy parts of the police facility.
Ohida was also accused of involvement in an attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State on July 28, 2022. The incident reportedly resulted in the deaths of several soldiers, security personnel and civilians.
The security sources further alleged that he played a role in the July 11, 2022 attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Other attacks reportedly linked to him include the April 23, 2022 assault 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.
He was also allegedly involved in the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which reportedly claimed the lives of two naval officers.
SECURITY IMPLICATIONS
The reported elimination of Ohida is expected to have an impact on ISWAP’s operational structure in central and southern Nigeria.
Security sources described the development as a major setback for the group, particularly because of Ohida’s alleged role in coordinating operations and efforts to expand the group’s presence beyond its traditional strongholds.
The operation also comes after other recent counter-terrorism successes against senior ISWAP figures.
According to security sources, the removal of Ohida could disrupt the group’s leadership structure, operational networks and plans to establish a stronger presence in the southern part of the country.
The development highlights the growing cooperation between Nigeria’s conventional military forces, intelligence agencies and regional security organisations in tackling terrorism and other security threats across the country.
