Security forces have dealt a major blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist network following the elimination of a senior commander, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, during an intelligence-led operation in the Owo forest area of Ondo State. Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group when a combined team comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, launched a surprise assault on the terrorists’ hideout at the weekend. Security sources said the operation effectively disrupted an alleged plot by the terrorist commander to unleash coordinated attacks on civilian targets in parts of Southern Nigeria during the forthcoming Yuletide season. According to intelligence sources, Ohida had emerged as a key figure in ISWAP’s expansion into parts of North-Central and Southern Nigeria after the arrest of his former superior, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, by the DSS in 2023. Ohida, who previously served as Ikrimah’s deputy, reportedly assumed greater responsibility for ISWAP operations in the region, playing a significant role in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist attacks. Intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Abu Uwais reportedly provided security agencies with critical information about Ohida’s network and his alleged plans to target civilians during the festive period. A security source said intelligence provided by foreign partners, including the United Kingdom, further corroborated the threat assessment and contributed to the successful operation. “The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections. The intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation,” the source said. Ohida was also linked by security sources to a series of deadly attacks on security formations across North-Central Nigeria and beyond. Among the incidents attributed to him was the December 31, 2025 attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, where terrorists reportedly carted away eight AK-47 rifles before destroying the facility with explosives. He was also allegedly involved in the July 28, 2022 attack along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, which resulted in the deaths of soldiers, security personnel and civilians. Other attacks reportedly linked to the deceased ISWAP commander 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. Security sources further attributed to Ohida the December 24, 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, which resulted in the death of two naval personnel. His elimination is being viewed by security analysts as a major operational setback for ISWAP’s efforts to establish and consolidate a foothold in Central and Southern Nigeria. The latest success also comes months after the reported elimination of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, further underscoring the mounting pressure being brought to bear on the leadership and operational structures of terrorist networks operating in Nigeria. The successful operation, according to security sources, demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven collaboration among Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies, particularly in identifying terrorist commanders, tracking their networks and disrupting planned attacks before they are executed. The elimination of Ohida is therefore expected to significantly weaken ISWAP’s command structure, operational capabilities and expansion plans in the affected regions, while potentially preventing a major wave of attacks during the upcoming festive season. Source : Zagazola Makama