Notorious insurgent leader, others eliminated in Ondo forest 

An intelligence-led operation by a combined team of troops from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, DSS, and Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, at the weekend in Owo forest, Ondo State, eliminated a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abdussamad Ohida.

Security expert, Zagazola Makama disclosed this in a report posted on his official X handle on Monday.

According to him, security sources said Ohida, also known as Anwar, who was on the verge of planning massive terrorist attacks in some southern states, was killed alongside several members of the terrorist organisation when security forces launched a surprise attack on their forest hideout.

He said the eliminated ISWAP leader previously served as deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria leader, Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais.

Ikrimah was reportedly arrested by Nigerian security operatives in 2023.

Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida assumed leadership of ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and southern parts of the country, where he subsequently played a key role in the planning, coordination and execution of terrorist operations.

The source further noted that through the interrogation of Abu Uwais, the DSS was able to gather credible intelligence on plans by Ohida to attack innocent civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide.

“The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections.

“This intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation,” one of the sources said.

The source, according to Makama, said Ohida planned and executed the December 31, 2025, invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State, carting away AK-47 rifles before bringing down the station with an explosive.