A senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, has reportedly been killed during a joint security operation in Owo forest, Ondo State.
The operation, conducted by troops of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), targeted a suspected terrorist hideout in the forest.
According to security expert Zagazola Makama, Ohida was killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group during the intelligence-led operation.
Ohida reportedly took over leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions following the arrest of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, in 2023.
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Security sources alleged that Ohida had been planning attacks on civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide period, with claims that the group also intended to disrupt the 2027 general elections.
The report further linked Ohida to the December 31, 2025, attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which AK-47 rifles were reportedly carted away and the station was destroyed with explosives.
The latest operation is being described as a major intelligence-led breakthrough in efforts to prevent terrorist activities in southern Nigeria.
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