A combined team of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Amotekun operatives has killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader, Abdussamad Ohida, in Ondo State.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was eliminated during an intelligence-led operation at an ISWAP hideout in Owo forest, according to security sources.
The sources said the terrorist commander was planning major attacks in parts of southern Nigeria before he was taken out by the security forces.
Ohida reportedly became the leader of ISWAP operations in parts of North Central and Southern Nigeria after the arrest of his former boss, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais.
Security sources said intelligence gathered after Abu Uwais’ arrest helped security agencies uncover Ohida’s plans to attack civilians during the Yuletide season.
They added that the planned attacks were also aimed at creating instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ohida was accused of involvement in several deadly attacks, including the invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, the Kuje Correctional Centre attack in Abuja, and attacks on security formations in Kogi and Niger states.
The sources said he was also linked to the 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which led to the death of two naval officers.
The operation came months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki and is seen as another major setback for ISWAP’s expansion plans in Nigeria.
Security officials said Ohida’s elimination has disrupted the group’s leadership structure and reduced its ability to carry out further attacks across the country.
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