Army, DSS, Amotekun Kill ISWAP Commander Planning Attacks in Southern Nigeria

Army, DSS, Amotekun Kill ISWAP Commander Planning Attacks in Southern Nigeria

A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) has killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in Owo, Ondo State.

Ohida was reportedly killed alongside other members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation targeting an ISWAP hideout in Owo forest.

Security sources said the operation disrupted alleged plans by the group to launch terrorist attacks in southern Nigeria during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year period and cause disruption ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The intelligence that led security agencies to Ohida was reportedly developed by the DSS and strengthened by information obtained during the interrogation of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, a former ISWAP leader in Central Nigeria who was arrested in 2023.

Ohida had reportedly served as Ikrimah’s deputy before taking on a more prominent leadership role following his arrest. Security sources said he subsequently coordinated ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions of Nigeria.

The intelligence was reportedly corroborated with assistance from security partners in the United Kingdom, leading to the operation in Owo.

Ohida had previously been linked by Nigerian authorities to several deadly attacks across the country.

Government sanctions records identify Abdulsamat Abdulkareem Ohida as a senior ISWAP commander, or Qaid, operating in Okene. He was also linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, where worshippers were killed and others injured.

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He was further linked to the July 11, 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, as well as attacks on security formations in Kogi and Niger states.

Security sources also attributed to him the December 31, 2025 attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which several weapons were reportedly stolen before the facility was destroyed with explosives.

Other attacks attributed to the commander include the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, the April 23, 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, and the February 7, 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command Police Station.

The December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, which reportedly killed two naval personnel, was also linked to him by security sources.

The latest operation is significant because of concerns over the expansion of terrorist networks into southern Nigeria, away from areas traditionally associated with insurgent activity.

Security sources described Ohida’s reported death as a major setback for the ISWAP network in the region and said the operation had disrupted plans for further attacks.

However, authorities have yet to publicly release a comprehensive account of the operation, including the exact number of other ISWAP members reportedly killed or the full details of the intelligence and military engagement.

The operation comes amid intensified efforts by Nigerian security agencies to prevent terrorist groups from establishing footholds in the South-West and other parts of southern Nigeria, particularly as the country approaches the festive season and the 2027 elections.

Army, DSS, Amotekun Kill ISWAP Commander Planning Attacks in Southern Nigeria