Security forces killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province leader in a joint operation over the weekend. Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, died alongside several other members of the group in Owo forest, Ondo State.
Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network known as Amotekun carried out the raid. Security sources said the team launched a surprise attack on the terrorists’ hideout after receiving intelligence about planned assaults.
Sources stated that Ohida was preparing massive attacks on civilians in southern states during the forthcoming festive period. They added that the plot aimed to disrupt the 2027 general elections.
One security source said the plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections. The source noted that intelligence partners from the United Kingdom corroborated the information and supported the operation.
Ohida previously served as deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais. The DSS arrested Ikrimah, the former ISWAP central Nigeria leader, in 2023. Following that arrest, Ohida assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the north-central and southern regions.
Security sources linked him to the planning and execution of several earlier attacks. These included the December 31, 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where attackers carted away eight AK-47 rifles before destroying the station with an explosive.
Sources further connected him to the July 2022 assault on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and attacks on security formations in Kogi State and along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State.
The operation followed intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Ikrimah. Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported the development on Monday based on accounts from security sources.
