After al-Minuki, Joint UK, Army, DSS, Amotekun Operation Kills Another ISWAP Leader

On the weekend in Ondo State, Nigeria, a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Amotekun officers successfully eliminated a key leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar. Security sources revealed that Ohida was on the brink of orchestrating large-scale terrorist attacks in southern Nigerian states when he was killed during a surprise attack on their hideout in Owo forest.

Prior to his arrest in 2023, Ohida served as the deputy to Abu Ikrimah, the Central Nigeria leader of ISWAP. Following Ikrimah's arrest, Ohida took over leadership of ISWAP operations in North central and southern regions of Nigeria, playing a crucial role in planning, coordinating, and executing terrorist activities. Interrogations by the DSS provided crucial intelligence regarding Ohida's plans to attack civilians during the yuletide and disrupt the 2027 general elections.

This intelligence was further corroborated by support from United Kingdom intelligence partners. Ohida was responsible for various attacks including the invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, the Suleja–Zuba Road checkpoint attack, the attack on Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, and numerous others across the country.

The elimination of Ohida, following the recent death of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, significantly weakens ISWAP's leadership, operational network, and expansion in Nigeria, highlighting the effectiveness of security services.