Joint Army, DSS, Amotekun Storm Owo Forest, Eliminate Notorious ISWAP Leader

Security forces have eliminated another senior ISWAP commander accused of planning terrorist attacks across parts of Southern Nigeria.

According to a statement by the joint Taskforce, an intelligence-led operation by troops of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and Amotekun operatives in Owo Forest, Ondo State, has killed Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, alongside several members of the terrorist group.

Intelligence reports indicate that Ohida was planning attacks on civilians during the forthcoming Yuletide season, with the wider objective of disrupting the 2027 general elections.

The intelligence, reportedly corroborated by partners from the United Kingdom, triggered the coordinated operation on the terrorists’ forest hideout in Owo.

Ohida allegedly took over ISWAP activities across parts of the North-Central and Southern regions following the arrest of his former superior, Abu Uwais, in 2023.

He was linked to several major attacks, including the December 2025 invasion of Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, the July 2022 Kuje Correctional Centre attack, and attacks on police and military formations in Kogi and Niger States.

Security sources note that his elimination, months after the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki, is being described as a major blow to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion plans in Central and Southern Nigeria.

The successful operation also underscores the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations and inter-agency collaboration between the Nigerian Army, DSS and the South-West Security Network, Amotekun, in tackling terrorism beyond the North-East theatre.

As of the time of filing this report, security forces are said to be combing the forest for fleeing members of the group and for possible recovery of arms and logistics.