A senior ISWAP commander has reportedly been killed during a security operation in Owo Forest, Ondo State.
The operation involved Nigerian Army troops, DSS personnel, and Amotekun officers.
Security sources identified the reported casualty as Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar.
The sources said the joint team carried out an intelligence-led operation against the group’s forest hideout at the weekend.
Several other members of the group were also reportedly killed during the operation.
Ohida was allegedly linked to ISWAP activities across parts of North Central and southern Nigeria.
Security sources claimed he previously served as deputy to Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais.
The DSS arrested Abu Uwais in 2023, according to the sources.
They alleged that Ohida later took charge of ISWAP activities in several areas.
Information reportedly obtained during Abu Uwais’s interrogation helped security agencies track Ohida.
The sources claimed the intelligence revealed alleged plans to attack civilians during the Yuletide period.
They also alleged plans to disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to the sources, UK intelligence partners also helped corroborate the information.
Ohida was further linked to several attacks across Nigeria, according to security sources.
These included the reported December 31, 2025 attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo.
The attackers reportedly stole rifles and destroyed parts of the station with explosives.
Security sources also linked Ohida to attacks in Niger, Abuja, and Kogi states.
These reportedly included an attack along the Suleja-Zuba Road in July 2022.
He was also allegedly connected to the Kuje Correctional Centre attack that same month.
Other reported incidents included attacks on Ogaminana Police Station and Okene Area Command.
However, the claims from security sources require official confirmation from relevant authorities.
