By Newsworld

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, have reportedly killed a suspected senior commander of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ondo State.

The suspected terrorist was identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, who was reportedly killed alongside other suspected members of the group during an intelligence-led operation in a forest in Owo at the weekend.

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According to security sources cited by security and defence analyst Zagazola Makama, Ohida was allegedly preparing attacks in parts of southern Nigeria ahead of the Yuletide period. The sources claimed the planned attacks could also have been aimed at disrupting preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The sources further alleged that Ohida was formerly the deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, described as a leader of ISWAP’s activities in central Nigeria. Ikrimah was reportedly arrested by the DSS in 2023, after which Ohida allegedly assumed a leadership role in the group’s operations across parts of North-Central and southern Nigeria.

One of the sources claimed intelligence obtained during the interrogation of Ikrimah helped security agencies uncover alleged plans by Ohida to attack civilians during the festive period. The source also said intelligence from United Kingdom partners supported the operation.

Ohida was further accused by the sources of involvement in several past attacks, including the July 11, 2022 attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along the Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, and attacks on police formations in Kogi State.

The sources also linked him to the December 31, 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, during which eight AK-47 rifles were reportedly taken and the station was allegedly attacked with explosives. Other incidents attributed to him included attacks on police facilities in Ogaminana and Okene, as well as a 2020 attack on a naval checkpoint in Okene.

The reported killing, if confirmed by the security agencies, would represent a significant counter-terrorism development in the South-West, particularly amid concerns over attempts by extremist groups to establish operational networks outside their traditional areas of activity.

However, the allegations concerning Ohida’s identity, leadership position and involvement in the listed attacks were based on security sources cited by Zagazola Makama and had not been independently verified in the material available at the time of publication. An official statement from the Nigerian Army or DSS would provide further confirmation.