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

Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led assault on their hideout in Owo forest at the weekend, according to security sources.

The sources said the operation disrupted alleged plans by the ISWAP commander to launch attacks in parts of southern Nigeria during the forthcoming festive period.

Intelligence Led Security Operation

According to the sources, the security operation followed intelligence indicating that Ohida was preparing attacks against civilians during the Yuletide period, with the alleged objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections.

The intelligence was reportedly obtained by the DSS and subsequently corroborated by intelligence partners in the United Kingdom.

The security sources said the information prompted the joint operation, which culminated in the surprise assault on the group’s forest hideout.

Ohida Took Over After Leader’s Arrest

Ohida reportedly previously served as deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was identified as the former leader of ISWAP’s Central Nigeria network.

Ikrimah was arrested by the DSS in 2023.

Following his arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed a leadership role in ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of the country.

Security sources said he subsequently became involved in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist operations in different parts of Nigeria.

Commander Linked To Previous Attacks

The security sources also attributed several attacks on security formations to Ohida.

They alleged that he planned and executed the December 31, 2025 attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken before the station was destroyed with explosives.

He was also linked by the sources to the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, where several soldiers, security personnel and civilians were reportedly killed.

Other attacks attributed to him included the July 11, 2022 assault on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and the April 23, 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of five police officers.

The sources further linked him to the February 7, 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command police station and the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, where two naval officers were reportedly killed.

Fresh Blow To ISWAP Expansion

A security source described Ohida’s elimination as a significant setback to ISWAP’s leadership structure and its efforts to establish a stronger operational presence in central and southern Nigeria.

The source said the development came months after the reported killing of another senior Islamic State figure, Abu Bilal al-Minuki.

Al-Minuki was reported killed in a Nigerian-US military operation in Borno State in May 2026. Analysts have, however, cautioned that the killing of senior commanders alone may not permanently dismantle ISWAP because of the group’s decentralised structure and ability to replace leaders.

The latest operation nevertheless represents another significant counter-terrorism action by Nigerian security agencies as authorities continue efforts to prevent the expansion of terrorist networks beyond their traditional areas of operation.

The Nigerian Army, DSS and Amotekun have not, at the time of this report, publicly released a detailed joint statement on the operation.