ISWAP Leader Killed In Joint Security Operation In Ondo Forest

A joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has reportedly eliminated a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo, Ondo State.

Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed alongside other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation at a forest hideout in Owo at the weekend.

Security sources said the operation was launched after intelligence indicated that Ohida was allegedly planning attacks on civilians in parts of southern Nigeria, particularly during the forthcoming Yuletide period.

According to the sources, the intelligence was obtained through the interrogation of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who previously served as ISWAP’s Central Nigeria leader before his arrest by the DSS in 2023.

Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida reportedly assumed a leadership role in ISWAP operations across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria, where he was allegedly involved in the planning and coordination of terrorist activities.

One of the sources claimed that the planned attacks were intended not only to target civilians during the festive period but also to disrupt the 2027 general elections. The intelligence, the source added, was corroborated by international intelligence partners, including those from the United Kingdom.

The security source further attributed several previous attacks to Ohida, including the December 31, 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly stolen before the station was destroyed with explosives.

Other attacks allegedly linked to him include the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, the July 11, 2022 attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, and attacks on police formations in Ogaminana and Okene in Kogi State.

He was also allegedly involved in the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two naval officers.

The latest operation comes months after the reported killing of another senior Islamic State figure, Abu Bilal al-Minuki.

The security source said Ohida’s death would disrupt ISWAP’s leadership structure and its efforts to expand its operations into central and southern Nigeria.

Authorities had not, at the time of filing this report, issued an independent public statement detailing the operation or confirming the full identities and number of casualties.