The Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, leader, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, during a joint security operation in Ondo State.
Ohida was killed at the weekend in the Owo forest by an intelligence-led team comprising 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 was allegedly planning major terrorist attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, including attacks on civilians during the forthcoming festive period and plans aimed at disrupting the 2027 general elections.
The operation reportedly followed intelligence gathered from the interrogation of another senior ISWAP figure, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023. Intelligence from the United Kingdom was also reportedly used in the operation.
Ohida was said to have previously served as deputy to Abu Uwais before taking over ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions.
Security sources also linked him to several attacks, including the December 2025 attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, as well as attacks on security formations in Niger, Kogi and Abuja.
The security agencies described his elimination as a major blow to ISWAP’s leadership structure and its efforts to expand its operations into central and southern Nigeria.
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