The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a high-level security alert, warning of imminent terrorist attacks planned by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) 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, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the DSS disclosed that credible intelligence confirmed ISWAP’s plans to carry out coordinated assaults on several communities across the two states.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, listed Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as likely targets of the planned attacks.
The DSS warned that the insurgents had already commenced surveillance on soft targets within the identified areas, urging military formations and other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and preventive operations.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon.
The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property,” the memo stated.
The alert comes three years after the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church massacre in Owo, where over 40 worshippers were brutally murdered by suspected ISWAP operatives during a Sunday Mass.
In response to the latest threat, Ondo State Police Commissioner, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened a high-powered security and community engagement meeting on Tuesday with key stakeholders from the Ikare and Iwaro-Oka Police Area Commands in the Akoko region.
The meeting, according to Police Public Relations Officer SP Ayanlade Olayinka, was part of the command’s renewed efforts to strengthen proactive policing strategies and enhance collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
Attendees included traditional rulers, senior police officers, Fulani and Igbo community leaders, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), led by State Chairman Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.
During the session, participants commended the police for maintaining peace across the state and pledged continued cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint vigilance efforts. Farmers’ representatives also promised timely information to help prevent attacks, while traditional rulers emphasized the importance of securing border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi States, known for cross-border threats.
CP Lawal, who shared his personal contact information with attendees, thanked them for their ongoing support and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He urged residents to remain alert, report suspicious activities promptly, and support security efforts to avert possible attacks.
