The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, during a joint operation in Owo forest, Ondo State.
The intelligence-led operation was carried out at the weekend by troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun.Security sources said Ohida and several other terrorists were neutralised during a surprise raid on their hideout.Ohida, a former deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah (Abu Uwais) who was arrested by DSS in 2023, had assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across North-Central and Southern Nigeria.
Sources disclosed that he was plotting large-scale attacks on civilians in southern states during the forthcoming Yuletide season and plans to disrupt the 2027 general elections.Intelligence from the interrogation of Abu Uwais, corroborated by UK security partners, led to the operation.
Ohida was linked to several deadly attacks, including the Dec. 31, 2025 invasion of Ipele Police Station in Owo and the Kuje Correctional Centre attack.
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