BREAKING: Army, DSS, Amotekun Kill Suspected ISWAP Commander in Ondo Raid.

Soldiers of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the South-West security network, Amotekun, have reportedly killed Abdussamad Ohida, described as a commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during a raid on a suspected hideout in Owo Forest, Ondo State.

Security sources said the operation was carried out over the weekend, between October 3 and 4, 2026 as several other members of the group were also reportedly killed during the operation.

Ohida, also known as Anwar, was allegedly planning attacks on civilians in parts of southern Nigeria during the festive period, with the broader objective of disrupting security ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to security sources. The sources also said British intelligence partners provided support for the operation.

Ohida was reportedly the deputy of Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who allegedly oversaw ISWAP’s operations in central Nigeria before his arrest by the DSS. Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida was said to have taken over the group’s activities in parts of the North-Central and southern regions.

Security sources said information obtained from Ikrimah while in DSS custody helped investigators identify Ohida and uncover his alleged plans.

Ohida has also been linked by security sources to several attacks dating back to 2020. These include the December 2025 attack on the Ipele Police Station in Owo, where police said between 20 and 30 armed men attacked the facility with firearms and explosives. The attackers reportedly destroyed the station, although no death was recorded. Police did not publicly identify the group responsible at the time.

He has also been linked to the June 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, which ISWAP claimed responsibility for, as well as a February 2022 attack on a police command in Okene, Kogi State. Police said the attackers used explosives and chanted religious slogans.

Following the June 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, the National Security Council attributed the incident to ISWAP. A DSS witness also told a court that an ISWAP cell had planned and mobilised the attackers.

In October 2025, a DSS memo reportedly warned of planned coordinated attacks targeting Owo and communities in Akoko North-West.

In December 2024, the DSS announced the arrest of 10 suspects in Osun State whom it accused of undergoing training in the manufacture and use of explosives.

The latest operation follows other security actions against ISWAP and its affiliates. The DSS arrested suspected ISWAP commander Sani Yusuf in Edo State in February, while Nigerian and United States forces reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in May. He was described as a senior Islamic State commander.

A security source described Ohida’s reported killing as a significant setback to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operations beyond northeastern Nigeria.

However, an official statement confirming Ohida’s identity, the circumstances of his death and the alleged plans attributed to him had not been released at the time of publication.

The operation comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, scheduled for January 16, 2027.