A coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, successfully neutralized a high-ranking leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, also called Anwar, in Owo Forest, Ondo State.

Sources from Zagazola Makama reported that intelligence indicates Ohida, who was allegedly orchestrating significant terrorist plots across southern Nigeria, was killed along with other militants during a surprise assault on their hideout over the weekend.

Ohida was believed to be the deputy to Abu Ikrimah (also known as Abu Uwais), the leader of ISWAP Central Nigeria, who was captured by the DSS in 2023. After Ikrimah’s detention, Ohida supposedly took charge of ISWAP operations in parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria.

Interrogations of Abu Uwais uncovered intelligence suggesting that Ohida planned to launch attacks on civilians during the upcoming holiday season and intended to disrupt Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. This information was reportedly validated by partners in UK intelligence.

Ohida was also tied to several significant assaults, including the December 31, 2025, attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which eight AK-47 rifles were stolen and the station was blown up.

Additional links connected him to assaults at the Suleja–Zuba military checkpoint in Niger State, Kuje Correctional Centre, Ogaminana Police Station in Kogi State, Okene Area Command, and a naval checkpoint in Okene.

Security officials described the elimination of Ohida as a severe setback to ISWAP’s leadership and territorial ambitions in the central and southern regions of Nigeria, coming shortly after the reported death of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki.

ASA