ISWAP Hit Hard As Army, DSS, Amotekun Eliminate Top Commander In Ondo

A joint operation involving Nigerian Army troops, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, has reportedly killed a suspected senior commander of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ondo State.

The suspected terrorist leader, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly eliminated alongside other suspected members of the group during an intelligence-led operation in a forested area of Owo at the weekend.

According to Bush Radio Academy, security sources said the operation disrupted plans allegedly being developed by Ohida to launch attacks in parts of southern Nigeria during the forthcoming Yuletide period.

The sources described Ohida as a former deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was identified as a leader of ISWAP’s Central Nigeria faction before his arrest by the DSS in 2023.

Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida reportedly assumed a prominent role in coordinating ISWAP activities across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria. Security sources alleged that he was involved in the planning and execution of several attacks targeting security formations and other locations.

Intelligence reportedly obtained following the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped security agencies uncover plans allegedly linked to Ohida to attack civilians during the festive period. The intelligence was said to have been corroborated by security partners in the United Kingdom, who reportedly provided support for the operation that led to his elimination.

A security source alleged that Ohida was involved in the December 31, 2025, attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly stolen before explosives were used to damage the facility.

He was also allegedly linked to the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja–Zuba Road in Niger State, where soldiers, security personnel and civilians were reportedly killed.

The sources further attributed the July 11, 2022, attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja to Ohida, as well as the April 23, 2022, assault on the Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, which reportedly claimed the lives of five police officers.

Other attacks allegedly associated with the suspected commander include the February 7, 2022, assault on the Okene Area Command Police Station and the December 24, 2020, attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, where two naval officers were reportedly killed.

Security sources described Ohida’s reported elimination as a major setback for ISWAP’s leadership structure and operational network in central and southern Nigeria.

The development was also said to have dealt another blow to the group’s expansion efforts, coming months after the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki.

The latest operation highlights the increasing collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies and their intelligence partners in efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent planned attacks across the country.