A senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, has been killed alongside several members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation in a forest in Owo, Ondo State.
The operation, conducted at the weekend, involved a combined team of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.
Security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this in a report shared on his official X handle on Monday, citing security sources.
According to the report, Ohida was allegedly planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria when security forces launched a surprise assault on the group’s hideout.
Ohida was said to have previously served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria commander, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais. Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida reportedly assumed responsibility for ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern regions.
Security sources said he subsequently played a key role in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist activities in the affected areas.
The sources further disclosed that intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped the DSS uncover an alleged plan by Ohida and his associates to attack civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide period.
The alleged plan, according to the sources, was also aimed at disrupting the 2027 general elections.
One of the sources said the intelligence was corroborated by international partners in the United Kingdom, who reportedly provided support for the operation that led to Ohida’s elimination.
The report also linked Ohida to the December 31, 2025, attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State.
According to the source, Ohida allegedly planned and executed the attack, during which the assailants reportedly carted away AK-47 rifles before using explosives to destroy the police station.
The latest operation marks another significant intelligence-led effort by security agencies to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent planned attacks in the southern part of the country.
