BREAKING: Security Forces kill suspected ISWAP leader planning attacks in Southern Nigeria

A joint security operation involving troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has reportedly killed a suspected senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ondo State.

The suspected commander, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed alongside other suspected members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation in a forest in Owo at the weekend.

According to security sources cited by security analyst Zagazola Makama, Ohida was allegedly planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria before the operation.

Sources said Ohida had previously served as deputy to the ISWAP 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 activities across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria.

He was also alleged to have played a role in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist operations in different parts of the country.

Sources further disclosed that intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped security agencies uncover alleged plans by Ohida to attack civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide period.

“The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections. This intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation,” a source said.

The source also alleged that Ohida planned and executed the December 31, 2025, attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken before explosives were used to destroy the station.

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

The source further attributed to him the July 11, 2022, attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja; the April 23, 2022, attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, which reportedly killed five police officers; and the February 7, 2022, attack on Okene Area Command police station.

“The terrorist planned and executed the 24th December, 2020 attack on a Naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of two naval officers, not to mention the several attacks he launched across parts of the country,” the source added.

The source described Ohida’s reported death as a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure and operational network in central and southern Nigeria.

“We may not immediately realise it, but the elimination of Abdussamad Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria,” the source said.

The source added that Ohida’s reported death, coming months after the killing of alleged ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, represented another setback for ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operations in Nigeria.

The operation reportedly involved coordination among the military, the DSS and Amotekun as part of efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent planned attacks.

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