Newsbreak: DSS, Army Amotekun kill ISWAP commander in Ondo

By Omolade Adegbuyi

At least one prominent leader of Islamic State of West Africa Province, (ISWAP) was among terrorists killed inn Ondo State at the weekend. The operation was led by the Department of State Security, (DSS) Amotekun and other security operatives. The killing of the terrorists is part of plans by security operatives to halt the covert plot to attack worship places ahead of the Yelutide.

Security experts described the tracking and killing of Abdoussamad Ohida as a major breakthrough in the country’s drive to put an end to violent extremism in Nigeria.

The ISWAP leaders, Abdulssamad Ohida also known as Anwar and his cell members were killed in a forest near Owo in Ondo State at the weekend.
Irohinoodua was informed that Ohida until his death wad the deputy leader to Abu Ikrimah also known as Abu Uwais. The Department of State Security, (DSS) had in 2023 arrested Uwais.
The suspected ISWAP leader served as Deputy to the group’s Central Nigerian Leader, Abu Ikrimah also known as Abu Uwais who has been linked to a chain of terrorist attacks in North East, North Central and in the South.
Uwais was the leader of ISWAP in Central Nigeria. Prior his arrest, he was directing violent activities in Central and Southern Nigeria.

After the arrest, Ohida emerged as the ISWAP leader in the North Central and Southern parts of Nigeria. He was said to be involved in coordination and execution of several terrorist plots

After arresting Abu Uwais, the DSS received more credible information about Ohida’s plans to attack people ahead of the coming Christmas and New Year

‘They plan to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections. This intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from abroad,’ a source said.

Security sources told Irohinoodua that Ohida was involved in the December 31, 2025 attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, Ondo State. During the attack, the attackers seized eight 47 rifles after which they destroyed the police station with explosives.
He was also linked to the July 28, 2022 attack on a military checkpoint along Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State during which many soldiers and security officers and many civilians were killed.

The ISWAP group in Southern Nigeria is linked to the July 11 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja; the April 23 2022 attack on Ogaminana Police Station in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State which led to the death of five officers and also the February 7, 202222 attack on Okene Area Command Police Station

He was linked to the December 24 2020 attack on a Naval checkpoint in Okene. Two naval officers and others were killed in the attack