Joint forces kill ISWAP kingpin plotting attacks ahead of 2027 polls

A senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, has been killed in a joint intelligence-led operation by the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, in Ondo State.

Ohida, also known as Anwar, was reportedly planning attacks on civilians during the Yuletide period and sought to disrupt the 2027 general elections, according to security sources.

He was killed alongside several other ISWAP members during a surprise raid on the group’s hideout in Owo forest at the weekend.

Security sources said intelligence obtained through the interrogation of former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, helped the DSS uncover Ohida’s alleged plans.

Ikrimah, who previously had Ohida as his deputy, was arrested by the DSS in 2023.

Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed leadership of ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern Nigeria, coordinating and executing terrorist attacks in the regions.

The sources said intelligence on the planned attacks was also corroborated by the United Kingdom, which supported the operation that led to Ohida’s elimination.

Ohida was accused of masterminding several attacks, including the December 31, 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where terrorists reportedly carted away AK-47 rifles before destroying the station with explosives.

He was also linked to the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja–Zuba Road in Niger State, which resulted in the deaths of soldiers, officers and civilians.

Other attacks attributed to him include the July 11, 2022, assault on Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja; the April 23, 2022, attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five police officers were killed; and the February 7, 2022, attack on the Okene Area Command police station.

The sources further accused Ohida of planning and executing the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which killed two naval officers.

A security source described Ohida’s death as a major setback to ISWAP’s leadership, operational network and expansion plans in central and southern Nigeria.

The source said the operation, coming months after the reported killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, would further weaken efforts by the terrorist group to expand its presence in Nigeria.