Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A joint intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, DSS, and the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, has reportedly killed a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, in Owo forest, Ondo State.
The terrorist commander was identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar. Security sources said Ohida was killed alongside several other members of the group during a surprise operation on their hideout in the forest at the weekend.
According to the sources, the operation was launched after intelligence indicated that Ohida was planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria during the forthcoming festive period.
The sources further alleged that the planned attacks were intended to target civilians during the Yuletide period and create disruption ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One of the security sources said intelligence obtained by the DSS was corroborated by intelligence partners in the United Kingdom, who subsequently supported the operation that led to Ohida’s death.
The reported intelligence was said to have emerged partly from information obtained during the interrogation of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was described as a former leader of ISWAP’s Central Nigeria network.
Ikrimah was arrested by the DSS in 2023, according to the security sources.
Following his arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed a leadership role in ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of the country.
The sources said he subsequently became involved in planning, coordinating and executing terrorist operations in the affected areas.
Ohida was also linked by the security sources to several previous attacks on security formations and other targets across the country.
Among the incidents attributed to him was the December 31, 2025 attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State.
According to the sources, attackers involved in the incident reportedly took eight rifles from the police station before the facility was destroyed with explosives.
Ohida was also allegedly linked to the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, an incident in which soldiers, other security personnel and civilians were reportedly killed.
Other attacks attributed to him included the July 11, 2022 assault on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and the April 23, 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The latter attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of five police officers.
The sources also attributed the February 7, 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command police station in Kogi State to the ISWAP commander.
Another attack allegedly linked to Ohida was the December 24, 2020 assault on a naval checkpoint in Okene, which reportedly killed two naval officers.
The latest operation is being described by security sources as a significant disruption to ISWAP's activities in central and southern Nigeria.
One of the sources said Ohida's death could affect the group's leadership structure and its efforts to expand its operations beyond the North-East.
The operation also highlights increased cooperation between conventional security agencies and regional security structures in tackling terrorist and other criminal networks.
Amotekun, formally known as the Western Nigeria Security Network, operates across the South-West and has worked with federal security agencies on security operations within the region.
The involvement of the Nigerian Army, DSS and Amotekun in the Owo forest operation reflects the intelligence-led approach reportedly adopted in tracking the ISWAP commander.
However, the full details of the operation, including the number of other terrorists killed and any items recovered from the hideout, have not been publicly disclosed in the reports reviewed.
The authorities have also not publicly released a detailed operational account explaining the circumstances surrounding the reported death of Ohida.
The claim that the group was preparing attacks targeting civilians during the festive period and seeking to disrupt the 2027 elections remains based on information attributed to security sources.
The reports did not indicate that any such attacks had already taken place or provide details of specific locations allegedly targeted.
The operation comes amid continuing security concerns over the activities of terrorist groups and their attempts to establish networks outside their traditional areas of operation.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned about the possibility of terrorist groups exploiting forests and other difficult-to-access areas as operational bases.
The reported killing of Ohida therefore comes as part of broader efforts by security agencies to identify and disrupt terrorist networks before they can carry out attacks.
Further official details are expected as authorities assess the outcome of the operation and continue efforts to dismantle any remaining elements of the group operating in the area.
For now, security sources say the joint operation in Owo forest has eliminated Abdussamad Ohida, described as a senior ISWAP figure, alongside other members of the group, while allegedly disrupting plans for attacks during the forthcoming festive period.
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