The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised alarm over an imminent terrorist attack planned by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) targeting communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
According to a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the DSS confirmed credible intelligence indicating that ISWAP insurgents were plotting coordinated assaults on several locations.
Signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security at the DSS Ondo State Command, the memo specifically identified Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, among the potential targets.
The security agency warned that the terrorists had commenced surveillance on soft targets within the listed areas and called on the military to heighten security measures to prevent any attacks.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon,” the memo stated. “The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property.”
The warning comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed during a Sunday service by suspected ISWAP members.
Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered that a high-level security meeting was held on Tuesday by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka — in response to the DSS alert.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, the meeting was part of a proactive effort to prevent security breaches and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
The gathering, held in Ikare Akoko, was attended by traditional rulers, senior police officers, community leaders, and representatives from the Fulani and Igbo communities, NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, Nigeria Forest Security Service, Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
Participants commended the police for maintaining peace and pledged continued cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint vigilance. The police commissioner also shared his contact information, urging residents to report suspicious movements promptly.