Security sources say the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services, working with Amotekun, killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province leader during an intelligence-led operation in Owo forest, Ondo State.
The sources identified the suspect as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, and said he was killed alongside other ISWAP members during a surprise assault on the group’s hideout at the weekend.
According to the sources, Ohida took over ISWAP activities across parts of North Central and southern Nigeria after his former commander, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, was arrested by the DSS in 2023.
The sources said DSS intelligence obtained through the interrogation of Abu Uwais helped uncover Ohida’s alleged plans to attack civilians during the festive period and disrupt the 2027 general elections.
“The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections,” one security source said, adding that United Kingdom intelligence partners corroborated the information and supported the operation.
The sources also accused Ohida of planning and executing several attacks, including the Dec. 31, 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo.
They said eight AK-47 rifles were taken, and the station was later destroyed with explosives.
The sources further linked him to attacks on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and police facilities in Kogi State.
One security source described the operation as “a significant disruption” to ISWAP’s leadership structure and operational network in central and southern Nigeria.
The operation follows the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, which security sources said further weakened efforts by Islamic State-linked groups to expand their presence in Nigeria.
Comments
Add a comment