ISWAP Leader Killed in Ondo: Security Forces Strike Major Blow Against Terror Expansion
ISWAP Leader Killed in Ondo: Security Forces Strike Major Blow Against Terror Expansion
By Akin Alade
Nigeria’s fight against terrorism has recorded a significant breakthrough following the elimination of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in an intelligence-led operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
The successful operation, involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, has been described as a major disruption to terrorist efforts to establish a stronger foothold in North-Central and southern Nigeria.
Ohida was reportedly killed alongside several other members of the terrorist group after security operatives acted on intelligence indicating plans for fresh attacks on civilians in parts of southern Nigeria during the forthcoming festive period.
According to security sources, the planned attacks were not only targeted at civilians but were allegedly intended to create wider insecurity and disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections. Intelligence reportedly obtained by the DSS was further strengthened through cooperation with international security partners, including the United Kingdom.
The development provides a strong indication of the growing importance of intelligence gathering, information sharing and coordinated operations in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign. Rather than waiting for terrorists to strike, security agencies were able to identify the threat and move against its leadership before the reported plans could be executed.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the operation, with the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure describing it as an intelligently led joint operation. The collaboration between conventional military forces, the DSS and Amotekun also demonstrates the value of combining national security capabilities with regional security structures.
Ohida’s elimination is particularly significant because security sources linked him to a number of attacks across Ondo, Kogi, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory. He was reportedly a deputy to former ISWAP Central Nigeria leader Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, before assuming a leadership role following Ikrimah’s arrest by the DSS in 2023.
Among the attacks attributed to Ohida was the December 31, 2025 assault on the Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, where terrorists reportedly stole eight AK-47 rifles before destroying the facility with explosives. He was also linked to attacks on security formations in Kogi and Niger states and the 2022 attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
The latest operation therefore represents more than the elimination of an individual terrorist commander. Security sources believe it could significantly weaken ISWAP’s command structure, disrupt its operational network and slow its reported attempt to expand from its traditional areas of operation into central and southern Nigeria.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has welcomed the development, commending the security agencies for their gallantry, intelligence-led approach and cooperation. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State and urged the agencies to sustain the momentum.
The governor’s response also underscores the importance of sustained cooperation between the Ondo State Government and federal security institutions in confronting emerging security threats. Such cooperation is increasingly important as criminal and terrorist networks attempt to exploit forests and difficult terrain as operational hideouts.
The operation further demonstrates the strategic importance of local security networks such as Amotekun in supporting national security agencies. Its participation alongside the Army and DSS shows how intelligence, local knowledge and military capability can be brought together to confront threats before they reach communities.
For the Federal Government, the development is another indication that the country’s security architecture is increasingly placing emphasis on intelligence-led operations rather than relying solely on conventional responses after attacks have occurred.
The reported cooperation with international intelligence partners is also significant, as terrorism increasingly operates across borders and requires information sharing among countries and security institutions.
While the elimination of Ohida is a major achievement, security agencies will need to maintain vigilance because the disruption of a terrorist command does not automatically eliminate the wider threat. Intelligence gathering, community engagement, surveillance and coordinated operations must continue to prevent surviving members from reorganising.
For residents of Ondo and neighbouring states, the operation offers reassurance that security agencies are actively monitoring attempts to establish terrorist networks in the region.
The success also sends a clear message to criminal and terrorist elements seeking to exploit Nigeria’s forests as safe havens: security forces are increasingly capable of combining intelligence, technology, local security structures and military strength to track and neutralise emerging threats.
As Nigeria continues its broader campaign against terrorism and violent crime, the Owo operation stands out as an example of what sustained intelligence, inter-agency cooperation and decisive action can achieve in protecting citizens.
The challenge now is to consolidate the victory by sustaining pressure on terrorist networks, strengthening intelligence sharing and ensuring that communities remain partners in the national security effort.
For the Federal Government and Nigeria’s security agencies, the elimination of one of ISWAP’s senior commanders in Ondo is not only a tactical success but a significant warning to terrorist groups attempting to extend their operations into southern Nigeria.
