A joint security operation has killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, in Ondo State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the killing of Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar. Troops, Department of State Services, DSS, operatives and Amotekun personnel carried out the operation.
Security forces launched the operation at a forest hideout in Owo at the weekend. They also killed several other members of the group, according to security sources. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Major Innocent Olamale, confirmed the operation.
Security sources said Ohida previously served as a deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais. The DSS arrested Ikrimah in 2023.
After his arrest, Ohida allegedly took over ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions. Sources said he helped plan and coordinate terrorist operations in those areas.
The Nigeria Sanctions Committee had already identified Ohida as a senior ISWAP commander, or Quaid, operating in Okene. The committee added him to Nigeria’s sanctions list in March 2024. Its official record also linked him to the June 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo and the July 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Security sources said intelligence from the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped the DSS uncover Ohida’s alleged plans.
According to the sources, the suspected plan involved attacks on civilians during the festive period. They also alleged that the group planned to disrupt the 2027 general elections.
The sources said United Kingdom intelligence partners later corroborated the information. They added that the intelligence helped security agencies launch the operation in Owo.
Security sources have linked Ohida to several attacks across Nigeria.
One of them was the December 31, 2025 attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo. Sources said the attackers stole eight AK-47 rifles before destroying the station with explosives.
They also linked him to the July 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State. Other alleged attacks include the assault on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and attacks on police facilities in Kogi State.
The sources also linked Ohida to the December 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State. Two naval officers died in that attack, according to the sources.
Security sources described Ohida’s death as a major setback for ISWAP’s activities in central and southern Nigeria.
They said the operation could disrupt the group’s leadership structure and operational network in the region. The development also highlights increased cooperation among the Army, DSS and Amotekun in counter-terrorism operations.
The operation comes months after the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki. Security sources said the two developments could further weaken efforts by Islamic State-linked groups to expand their presence in Nigeria.
The Army’s confirmation gives the latest operation an official basis. However, security agencies have not publicly provided a full account of the operation or the exact number of other ISWAP members killed.
