Nigerian troops take down terror leader with UK help

A combined security operation has resulted in the death of Abdussamad Ohida, an alleged terror leader known as a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The State Security Service (SSS), also called DSS, shared this news in a statement from its media unit on Monday.

Mr Ohida, who went by the name “Anwar,” was killed along with his associates in what the SSS called a surprise, intelligence-led operation. This operation involved officers from the Nigerian Army and the state-backed paramilitary group, Amotekun.

The operation took place over the weekend in Owo forest, Ondo State.

The SSS reported that the terror leader was planning large, coordinated attacks in some southern states before he was killed.

Attacks planned to disrupt Christmas and 2027 elections stopped

The death of Mr Ohida prevented his planned attack on civilians during the upcoming festive season and the 2027 elections. The SSS added that intelligence partners from the UK helped in the operation that eliminated the terror commander.

The planned attacks were said to have been disclosed to the SSS by arrested ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais. Mr Ikrimah was caught by the SSS in 2023 and has been in their custody since then.

After Mr Ikrimah's arrest, his deputy, Mr Ohida, took over, leading attacks against civilians and security forces.

The SSS stated that Mr Ohida was responsible for multiple attacks, including an assault on a Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, on 31 December 2025.

Reports indicate that during the crossover night attack, the terrorists set the police station on fire and stole weapons.

Mr Ohida was also blamed for a 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Abuja road near Zuma Rock. He was linked to other attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break and an assault on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi LGA, Kogi State, where five police officers lost their lives.

The SSS mentioned that Mr Ohida was also behind the 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command police station, as well as the 24 December 2020 assault on the Naval checkpoint in Okene, which resulted in the death of two naval personnel.

The SSS said killing Mr Ohida will disrupt ISWAP’s leadership structure and its efforts to expand outside the North-east region.

This is the first time the UK has been publicly mentioned in a security operation since Nigeria strengthened its defense partnership with the country.

Nigeria continues to face various security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency that has lasted over a decade. This ongoing conflict led to a narrative of genocide against Christians in 2025, with former United States President Donald Trump warning of strong action if the Nigerian government did not stop the killings.

The government rejected the genocide claims, stating that terrorists target Nigerians from all backgrounds.

This diplomatic strain later led to cooperation that resulted in a significant outcome when an ISWAP commander, Abu Bilal or Abubakar Mainok, was killed in a joint operation involving US and Nigerian forces.