A group of security forces has killed a top leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province, known as Abdussamad Ohida, in the Owo forest, Ondo State.
The operation, which relied on intelligence, took place over the weekend. It included a combined team of the Department of State Services, troops from the Nigerian Army, and operatives from the Western Nigeria Security Network, also called the Amotekun Corps.
“The killed ISWAP leader was once the deputy to Abu Ikrimah, the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader. Ikrimah was arrested by the DSS in 2023,” sources reported.
Sources said Ohida, also called Anwar, was about to plan major terrorist attacks in some southern states. He was killed along with several members of his group during a surprise attack by the security forces on their hideout in the forest.
After Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida took over ISWAP activities in the north-central and southern regions of Nigeria. He played a big part in planning, coordinating, and carrying out terrorist actions.
Through questioning Abu Uwais, sources said the DSS gathered reliable intelligence about Ohida's plans to attack innocent people during the upcoming Yuletide.
“The plan was to strike civilians during the festive season and to disturb the 2027 general elections. This information was confirmed by our intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who assisted with the operation,” one source explained.
Ohida was behind the December 31, 2025, attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where he stole AK-47 rifles and destroyed the station with explosives. He was also linked to the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint on the Suleja, Zuba Road, Niger State, which killed several soldiers, officers, and civilians.
He was blamed for the July 11, 2022, attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the April 23, 2022, assault on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi LGA, Kogi State, where five police officers lost their lives, and the February 7, 2022, attack on Okene Area Command police station.
“The terrorist also planned and carried out the December 24, 2020, attack on a Naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the deaths of two naval officers, along with several other attacks across the country,” the source added.
“We may not see it right away, but taking out Abdussamad Ohida is a major blow to ISWAP’s leadership, operational network, and plans for growth in central and southern Nigeria.
“Ohida’s death, coming a few months after ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki was killed, is a big setback for ISWAP’s ambitions in Nigeria. It shows that our security services are becoming more effective,” he stated.
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