Precious Nwonu, Enugu

A joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Ondo State.

The terrorist leader, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly eliminated during an intelligence-led operation in a forest in Owo at the weekend.

Security sources said the operation targeted an ISWAP hideout following intelligence on plans by the group to carry out attacks in parts of southern Nigeria.

Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group after security operatives launched a surprise assault on the camp.

Sources said Ohida previously served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria commander, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.

Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly took over the coordination of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions.

According to the sources, intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Ikrimah helped security agencies uncover Ohida’s alleged plans to launch attacks during the forthcoming Yuletide period.

The sources further claimed that the planned attacks were intended to target civilians and disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The intelligence was reportedly corroborated by international partners, including the United Kingdom, before the operation was carried out.

Ohida was also accused of involvement in several attacks on security formations in the country.

One of the sources alleged that he planned and executed the December 31, 2025 attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken before the facility was destroyed with an explosive.

He was also linked to the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of soldiers, security personnel and civilians.

The sources further attributed the July 11, 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and attacks on police formations in Kogi State to the deceased ISWAP commander.

These included the April 23, 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area, where five police officers were reportedly killed, and the February 7, 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command.

Ohida was also accused of planning and executing the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of two naval officers.

A security source described the operation as a significant setback to ISWAP’s leadership and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.

The source said Ohida’s death, coming months after the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, could further disrupt the terrorist group’s efforts to expand its operational network in Nigeria.

The operation highlights the increasing cooperation among security agencies in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations across different parts of the country.