A joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ondo State.
The commander, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation at their hideout in Owo Forest over the weekend.
Security sources said Ohida had taken over leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions following the arrest of his former superior, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, by the DSS in 2023.
The sources further alleged that intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped uncover plans by Ohida to attack civilians during the forthcoming festive period and disrupt the 2027 general elections. The intelligence was reportedly corroborated by United Kingdom security partners who supported the operation.
Ohida was also accused of involvement in several previous attacks, including the December 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, the 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, and attacks on security formations in Niger and Kogi states.
A security source described his elimination as a major disruption to ISWAP’s leadership and operational network in central and southern Nigeria, particularly its efforts to expand its activities into the southern part of the country.
