Security forces reportedly kill suspected ISWAP commander in Ondo operation

A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, has reportedly killed a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province commander in Owo, Ondo State.

Security sources identified the suspect as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar.

The sources said Ohida and several other suspected fighters were killed during a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in the Owo forest.

According to the sources, intelligence agencies had identified the group as allegedly planning attacks in parts of southern Nigeria.

Ohida was reportedly a former second in command to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023.

Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida was allegedly involved in coordinating the group’s activities in parts of North Central and Southern Nigeria.

The operation was reportedly supported by intelligence from partners in the United Kingdom.

Security sources also linked Ohida to several previous attacks, including the December 2025 attack on a police station in Ipele, Owo, and attacks in Abuja and Niger State in 2022.

The claims about his alleged involvement in the previous attacks could not be independently verified.