RismadarVoice Reporters
October 5, 2026
A senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, has been killed during a joint security operation in Owo forest, Ondo State.
Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other suspected members of the terrorist group during an intelligence-led operation at the weekend involving troops of the Nigerian Army, personnel of the Department of State Services, DSS, and operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun.
Security sources said the operation targeted a forest hideout linked to the group after intelligence indicated that Ohida was allegedly preparing attacks in parts of southern Nigeria.
Ohida was reported to have served as deputy to ISWAP’s Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
Following Ikrimah’s arrest, security sources alleged that Ohida assumed a more prominent role in ISWAP activities across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria, including the planning and coordination of attacks.
The sources said intelligence obtained following Ikrimah’s arrest helped security agencies uncover alleged plans by Ohida to attack civilians during the forthcoming festive period.
They further alleged that the planned attacks were intended to cause disruption ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the security sources, information concerning the alleged plans was corroborated by foreign intelligence partners, including those in the United Kingdom.
Ohida was also linked by security sources to the December 31, 2025 attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which firearms were reportedly taken from the station before the facility was damaged with explosives.
He was further accused of involvement in previous attacks on security formations in other parts of the country.
Security sources described his death as a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership and its reported efforts to expand operations into parts of central and southern Nigeria.
The exact number of other suspected insurgents killed during the Owo operation and details of any weapons or other materials recovered had not been publicly disclosed at the time of reporting.
