A senior Islamic State West Africa Province leader allegedly planning attacks in southern Nigeria has been killed in an intelligence-led operation in Owo forest, Ondo State.
The operation, conducted by troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services and members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, reportedly took place at the weekend.
Security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed this in a report posted on his official X handle on Monday, citing security sources.
The sources identified the slain ISWAP commander as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, and said several other members of the terrorist group were killed when security forces raided their forest hideout.
According to the report, Ohida was allegedly planning attacks on civilians during the forthcoming festive period, with the broader objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections.
The intelligence on the planned attacks was reportedly obtained following the arrest and interrogation of a former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, in 2023.
The source said the intelligence was subsequently corroborated by intelligence partners in the United Kingdom, supporting the operation that led to Ohida’s reported elimination.
Ohida had reportedly served as deputy to Ikrimah before assuming leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern regions following Ikrimah’s arrest.
He was subsequently alleged to have played a major role in planning, coordinating and executing terrorist operations in the affected areas.
The security source also linked Ohida to the December 31, 2025, attack on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo.
The attack reportedly resulted in the theft of AK-47 rifles and the destruction of the police station with an explosive.
The latest operation, according to the report, followed intelligence indicating that Ohida and his associates were preparing further attacks in the South.
