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A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in Ondo State.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led assault on a forest hideout in Owo at the weekend, according to security sources. Multiple reports have independently confirmed the operation.
Security sources said the operation was launched after intelligence indicated that Ohida was allegedly planning attacks against civilians in parts of southern Nigeria during the forthcoming festive period. The sources further alleged that the planned attacks were intended to cause instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the sources, Ohida previously served as deputy to ISWAP’s Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023. They said Ohida subsequently assumed a leadership role in ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions.
The security sources further linked Ohida to several previous attacks on security facilities and personnel, including the December 2025 attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo. Nigeria’s Sanctions Committee had also previously identified Abdulsamat AbdulKareem Ohida as a senior ISWAP commander and designated him over alleged involvement in major terrorist attacks.
The sources said intelligence obtained from the interrogation of Abu Ikrimah helped security agencies uncover Ohida’s alleged plans, while intelligence from United Kingdom partners was also said to have supported the operation. The claims concerning the planned attacks and intelligence support were attributed to security sources and have not been independently detailed by the security agencies in a public operational report.
The killing of Ohida represents a significant development in efforts to prevent ISWAP from expanding its activities into central and southern Nigeria. The operation also highlights continued cooperation among Nigeria’s military, intelligence and regional security structures in counter-terrorism operations.
