Security forces have eliminated a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in Ondo State, in an operation officials said disrupted plans for attacks in southern Nigeria ahead of the Yuletide and 2027 general elections.
Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other ISWAP members during an intelligence-led operation by troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, in a forest in Owo at the weekend.
Security sources said Ohida was preparing attacks against civilians during the festive period, with plans allegedly extending to disrupting the 2027 elections.
The intelligence used for the operation was reportedly obtained during the interrogation of former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Ohida subsequently took over ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern regions, where he was accused of coordinating several attacks.
Security sources said intelligence from the United Kingdom also helped to corroborate the threat and support the operation.
Ohida was linked to several attacks, including the December 2025 assault on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken, and the station was destroyed with explosives.
He was also accused of involvement in attacks on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and police formations in Kogi State.
A security source described his elimination as a major setback to ISWAP’s expansion in central and southern Nigeria.
“The elimination of Abdussamad Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion efforts,” the source said.
The operation comes months after the reported killing of another senior Islamic State figure, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in Nigeria, further putting pressure on the group’s leadership and operational network.
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