By Emmanuel Nduka
Combined forces of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Ondo State chapter of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, have eliminated a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an intelligence-led operation in Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria.
The terrorist commander, identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other members of the group during an operation in a forest in Owo at the weekend.
Security sources said the operation followed intelligence indicating that Ohida was allegedly coordinating plans to attack civilian targets in parts of Southern Nigeria during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The intelligence, reportedly gathered by the DSS, was said to have been corroborated by foreign intelligence partners, including the United Kingdom.
According to the sources, the planned attacks were also linked to an alleged broader strategy to create instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ohida was reportedly a former deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was identified as the leader of ISWAP’s Central Nigeria operations before his arrest by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed a prominent role in coordinating the group’s activities across parts of the North-Central and Southern regions, making him a key figure in ISWAP’s efforts to expand beyond its traditional strongholds in the North-East.
His death is therefore being viewed by security officials as a major setback to the group’s attempt to establish a stronger operational foothold in Southern Nigeria.
Ohida had previously been designated a terrorist financier and senior ISWAP commander by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee in March 2024, with his activities reportedly centred around Okene.
He was also linked by security authorities to several major attacks, including the June 2022 assault on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers.
The commander was further accused of involvement in the July 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, which resulted in the escape of a large number of inmates.
Other attacks reportedly associated with him include the assault on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State in April 2022, the attack on the Okene Area Command police station in February 2022 and a December 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene that claimed the lives of two naval officers.
The latest operation comes amid heightened security concerns over the spread of terrorist activities beyond the North-East and the evolving tactics of extremist groups operating in the country.
In September, the Nigerian Army dismissed as fake a document circulating online which purportedly warned of planned terrorist attacks on schools, churches, mosques, NYSC orientation camps and other public facilities across the country.
The Army, however, directed formations to remain vigilant and strengthen measures to protect vulnerable locations.
The security situation has also prompted increased attention in parts of the South-West. In September, five suspected terrorists were arrested following an attack on a security base along the Igbeti-Igboho Road in Oyo State.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended while wearing military uniforms after the attackers allegedly raided the facility and fled with some equipment.
Security sources described the elimination of Ohida as a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure and its efforts to expand its operations into Central and Southern Nigeria.
The Owo operation was carried out through collaboration among the military, intelligence services and Amotekun, which operates across the South-West and has increasingly supported conventional security agencies in intelligence gathering and counter-crime operations.
Authorities have, however, not disclosed the exact number of terrorists killed during the operation or details of weapons and other materials recovered from the forest.
