Army, DSS, Amotekun Kill Senior ISWAP Leader in Ondo Forest

A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in Ondo State.

Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation at their hideout in Owo forest at the weekend. Security sources said the operation was launched after intelligence indicated that Ohida was planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria.

According to the sources, Ohida previously served as deputy to ISWAP’s Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023. Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed a leadership role in ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern regions.

The intelligence that led to the operation reportedly included information obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais. Security sources said Ohida was allegedly planning attacks on civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide period, with the wider objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections. They added that the intelligence was corroborated by UK security partners who supported the operation.

Security sources have also linked Ohida to several previous attacks, including the December 2025 invasion of the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, the 2022 attack on the Suleja-Zuba Road military checkpoint, the Kuje Correctional Centre attack and attacks on police formations in Kogi State. The allegations have not been independently established in the reports reviewed.

The latest operation comes months after the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki. Security sources described Ohida’s elimination as a major setback to ISWAP’s leadership structure and its efforts to expand its operational presence into central and southern Nigeria.