A high-level, intelligence-driven operation by a joint task force comprising the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has resulted in the neutralisation of Abdussamad Ohida (alias Anwar), a high-ranking leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
​The joint clearance operation was executed over the weekend on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at approximately 03:00 WAT, inside the dense forest reserves of Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State.
​According to security officials involved in the operation, the assault targeted a clandestine ISWAP encampment deep within the Owo forest. The terrorist enclave was dismantled following a gun duel, during which Ohida and several key associates were eliminated.
​The operation relied on declassified intelligence gathered by the DSS following the 2023 arrest of Abu Ikrimah (also known as Abu Uwais), former ISWAP leader for Central Nigeria. Ohida subsequently assumed leadership over ISWAP’s operational expansion across North-Central and Southern Nigeria.
Intelligence corroboration provided by UK security partners further confirmed that Ohida was actively coordinating coordinated attacks aimed at target public venues ahead of the upcoming Yuletide season and disrupting the political timeline ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​Declassified military records attribute several major high-profile attacks across the country to Ohida’s command structure, including the attack on the Suleja–Zuba Road military checkpoint in Niger State on July, 28, 2022, which resulted in multiple military and civilian casualties.
The breach and assault on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and the assault on the Ogaminana Police Station on April 23, at Adavi LGA, Kogi State, resulting in the death of five police officers.
The attack on the Okene Area Command Police Station February 7, 2022. The attack on a Naval checkpoint in Okene, Kogi State, on December 24, 2020, which led to the loss of two naval personnel.
​Confirming the successful operation, Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, commended the inter-agency collaboration:
​”This intelligence-driven operation highlights the operational synergy between the Armed Forces, sister security agencies, and regional security outfits like Amotekun. The elimination of Abdussamad Ohida has effectively dismantled ISWAP’s expansion matrix in the southern corridor.”
​Speaking on the inter-agency success, the Director of Media and Public Relations for the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, noted:
​”The DSS remains resolute in tracking and dismantling terrorist cells nationwide. Through actionable intelligence and joint execution, Ohida’s plans to destabilize the region ahead of the festive period have been completely neutralised.”
​Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, assured residents that mop-up operations inside the Owo forest reserve are ongoing to secure surrounding communities:
​”Our officers, alongside the Army and DSS, tracked these elements into the furthest reaches of the Owo forest. This outcome demonstrates that Ondo State and the South-West region will not serve as a safe haven or operational base for terrorist networks.”
​Following the successful operation, security forces recovered heavy weaponry, communication devices, and tactical gear from the camp. Joint patrols by the Army, DSS, and Amotekun officers remain ongoing throughout the Owo forest boundary to ensure the area is fully cleared.
