An intelligence-led operation by a combined team of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, has reportedly killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo forest, Ondo State.

Security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed this in a report shared on his official X handle on Monday, citing security sources.

According to the report, Ohida, also known as Anwar, was killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group after security forces launched a surprise attack on their forest hideout.

Ohida reportedly served as deputy to the ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by Nigerian security operatives in 2023.

Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions, where he was reportedly involved in planning and coordinating terrorist operations.

The security sources said intelligence obtained following Ikrimah’s interrogation helped the DSS uncover alleged plans by Ohida to attack civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide period.

“The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections,” a source was quoted as saying.

The source also claimed that intelligence partners from the United Kingdom corroborated the information and supported the operation that led to Ohida’s elimination.

According to the report, Ohida was also allegedly responsible for the December 31, 2025, attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken before the station was brought down with an explosive.