A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and Amotekun has killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province leader, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in Ondo State.
Security sources say Ohida was killed alongside several members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led surprise attack on their hideout in Owo forest at the weekend.
The sources say Ohida previously served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida reportedly assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of North Central and southern Nigeria, playing a major role in planning and coordinating attacks.
Security sources say intelligence obtained from Ikrimah indicated that Ohida was planning attacks on civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide and activities aimed at disrupting the 2027 general elections. They added that intelligence partners from the United Kingdom supported the operation.
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Ohida was also linked by security sources to several attacks, including the December 2025 assault on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Ondo State, the July 2022 Kuje Correctional Centre attack and attacks on security formations in Niger and Kogi states.
Security officials described his killing as a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and efforts to expand its activities in central and southern Nigeria.
