Security Forces Eliminate Suspected ISWAP Leader in Ondo Forest
A combined team of Nigerian Army troops, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and officers of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has reportedly eliminated a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, during an intelligence-led operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
Security sources said Ohida was killed alongside several other suspected members of the terrorist group during a surprise operation on their hideout at the weekend.
According to the sources, Ohida was allegedly planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, including attacks targeting civilians during the forthcoming festive period.
The sources said the operation followed intelligence gathered by the DSS, including information obtained during the interrogation of former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Ohida reportedly served as deputy to Abu Ikrimah before assuming leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria following Ikrimah’s arrest.
Security sources alleged that Ohida subsequently played a key role in the planning, coordination and execution of several terrorist attacks in the region
One source claimed that intelligence indicated plans to attack civilians during the Yuletide period and disrupt the 2027 general elections. The intelligence was reportedly corroborated by international intelligence partners, including those from the United Kingdom.
The sources also attributed several previous attacks to Ohida, including the December 31, 2025, attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly carted away before the station was damaged with explosives.
Other attacks allegedly linked to him include the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja–Zuba Road in Niger State, the July 11, 2022, attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, and attacks on police formations in Ogaminana and Okene, Kogi State.
The sources further alleged that Ohida was involved in the December 24, 2020, attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, which resulted in the death of two naval officers, among other attacks across the country.
The reported elimination of Ohida is being described by security sources as a significant setback to ISWAP’s leadership structure and its alleged efforts to expand its operational presence into central and southern Nigeria.
The development comes months after the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, with security sources saying Ohida’s elimination could further disrupt the group’s operational networks and expansion efforts in Nigeria.
Security Forces Eliminate Suspected ISWAP Leader in Ondo Forest