Joint Army, DSS, Amotekun Operation Kills Suspected ISWAP Leader in Ondo
A combined team of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has reportedly killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader, Abdussamad Ohida, during an intelligence-led operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during a surprise raid on their hideout at the weekend.
According to security sources, Ohida was allegedly planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria ahead of the Yuletide season.
The sources said Ohida previously served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida reportedly assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions, where he was allegedly involved in the planning and coordination of terrorist operations.
Security sources further said intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped the DSS uncover alleged plans by Ohida to attack civilians during the forthcoming festive period and disrupt the 2027 general elections.
One of the sources said the intelligence was also corroborated by security partners in the United Kingdom, who reportedly supported the operation that led to Ohida’s death.
Ohida was also alleged to have been responsible for several attacks across the country.
Among those attributed to him was the December 31, 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly carted away before the station was destroyed with explosives.
He was also linked to the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several soldiers, security personnel and civilians.
Other attacks attributed to the suspected ISWAP commander include the July 11, 2022 attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja; the April 23, 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five police officers were reportedly killed; and the February 7, 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command police station.
The source further alleged that Ohida planned and executed the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two naval officers.
Describing the reported killing as a major setback to ISWAP’s operations in central and southern Nigeria, the source said the development would disrupt the group’s leadership structure and expansion plans.
«“We may not immediately realise it, but the elimination of Abdussamad Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.»
«“Ohida’s elimination, coming a few months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, is a very big blow to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria and underscores the growing efficiency of our security services,” the source said.»
