By Jelili Gbadamosi
Security forces have eliminated a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, during an intelligence-led operation in Owo forest, Ondo State.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group when troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, raided their forest hideout at the weekend.
Security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this in a report posted on his official X handle on Monday.
According to Makama, security sources said the operation was launched after intelligence indicated that Ohida was planning major terrorist attacks in some southern states.
The sources said the ISWAP commander had also planned attacks on civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide, with an alleged wider objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections.
“The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections,” one of the sources said.
The source added that the intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the operation that led to Ohida’s elimination.
Ohida was said to have previously served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais.
Ikrimah was reportedly arrested by Nigerian security operatives in 2023.
Following his arrest, Ohida allegedly took charge of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern parts of Nigeria, where he played a key role in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist operations.
The source further disclosed that the DSS obtained credible intelligence on Ohida’s activities through the interrogation of Abu Uwais.
According to the report, the intelligence helped security agencies track the activities and plans of the ISWAP commander before the operation was launched against the terrorist group in Owo forest.
The source also alleged that Ohida was responsible for planning and executing the December 31, 2025, invasion of the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State.
During the attack, the terrorists reportedly carted away AK-47 rifles before bringing down the police station with an explosive.
The latest operation is therefore seen as a significant blow to ISWAP activities in the region, particularly amid concerns over planned attacks in southern parts of the country.
