Abdussamad Ohida, accused of plotting Yuletide attacks and plans to disrupt 2027 polls, reportedly neutralised in Ondo
A joint team of Nigerian Army troops, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, has reportedly killed a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, in a forest in Owo, Ondo State.
Security sources said Ohida, also known as Anwar, died alongside several other members of the group when the combined team launched an intelligence-led surprise operation on their hideout at the weekend.
Alleged plot against Yuletide and 2027 elections
The sources alleged that Ohida was planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria. One of them said the targets were civilians during the festive season, and that the plot was also meant to disrupt the 2027 general elections.
Intelligence gathered during the interrogation of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, helped the DSS uncover the alleged plans. Ikrimah, who led ISWAP’s Central Nigeria operations, was arrested by the DSS in 2023. Ohida was his deputy and allegedly took over ISWAP activities in parts of the North-Central and southern regions after the arrest, planning and coordinating attacks.
According to the source, intelligence partners in the United Kingdom corroborated the information and supported the operation.
Series of attacks linked to the commander
Security sources attributed a string of earlier attacks to Ohida, including:
- The December 31, 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly carted away before the station was destroyed with explosives.
- The July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint on the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, which reportedly killed soldiers, security personnel and civilians.
- The July 11, 2022 attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
- The April 23, 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, in which five police officers were reportedly killed.
- The February 7, 2022 attack on the Okene Area Command police station.
- The December 24, 2020 attack on a Naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which left two naval officers dead.
Reactions
Commenting on the development, SahelSecurity Report described Ohida’s elimination as a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria.
A source added that the killing, coming a few months after that of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, was a major blow to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its presence in Nigeria and underscored the growing efficiency of the country’s security services.
The security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the reported operation or Ohida’s death.
Comments