Sunday Strike in Owo Forest: Army, DSS, Amotekun Kill Senior ISWAP Leader Planning Attacks in Southern Nigeria

A senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed on Sunday during a joint security operation in a forest around Owo, Ondo State, Nigerian Army authorities have confirmed.

Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist organisation when troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, carried out a surprise assault on the group’s hideout.

The operation was described by security sources as intelligence-led and followed information gathered about Ohida’s activities and alleged plans to launch attacks in parts of southern Nigeria. The raid reportedly took place during the weekend, with the Army subsequently confirming that the ISWAP commander had been killed.

Maj. Innocent Olamale, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, confirmed the operation on Monday. He said the joint team had carried out an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the elimination of the ISWAP commander.

According to security sources, Ohida had allegedly been preparing attacks against civilians during the forthcoming festive period, with the broader objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections. The claim about the planned attacks remains attributed to intelligence and security sources.

The intelligence reportedly came partly from information obtained during the interrogation of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was identified as the former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader and was arrested by the DSS in 2023. Sources said the intelligence was subsequently corroborated by international partners, including counterparts in the United Kingdom.

Ohida was reportedly Ikrimah’s deputy before the latter’s arrest. Following Ikrimah’s detention, security sources said Ohida assumed a leadership role in ISWAP activities across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria, where he allegedly became involved in planning and coordinating terrorist operations.

Security sources have also linked Ohida to several previous attacks on security facilities. Among those cited was the December 31, 2025 attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken before the facility was destroyed with explosives.

Other attacks attributed by the sources to Ohida include the 2022 assault on the Suleja-Zuba Road military checkpoint in Niger State, the attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, and attacks on police facilities in Kogi State. These allegations have been reported as claims from security sources rather than independently established findings in the latest operation.

The killing is being described by security sources as a significant setback to ISWAP’s command structure and its reported attempts to expand operations into central and southern Nigeria. The operation also underscores the role of intelligence sharing and coordination among the Nigerian Army, DSS and regional security structures in counter-terrorism efforts.