An intelligence-led operation involving Nigerian Army troops, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, has killed senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader Abdussamad Ohida in Owo forest, Ondo State.
Security sources said Ohida, also known as Anwar, was planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria when security forces launched a surprise assault on the group’s forest hideout. Many other ISWAP members were also killed.
Ohida had served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023. After his arrest, Ohida took charge of ISWAP activities across parts of the North Central and southern regions, helping plan, coordinate and carry out attacks.
The sources said information obtained from Abu Uwais helped the DSS uncover Ohida’s plans to attack civilians during the coming Yuletide.
“The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections. This Intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation,” one source said.
Ohida was also accused of planning several attacks, including the December 31, 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station, Owo, where eight AK-47 rifles were stolen before explosives were used to bring down the station.
He was also linked to attacks on the Suleja–Zuba Road military checkpoint, Kuje Correctional Centre, Ogaminana Police Station, Okene Area Command and a Naval checkpoint in Okene.
