The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued an urgent warning of potential terrorist attacks by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) targeting communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
A confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security at the DSS Ondo State Command, alerted the Nigerian Army’s 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure that insurgents are planning coordinated assaults on Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area.
The DSS memo, citing credible intelligence, revealed that ISWAP has already begun surveillance on soft targets in these areas.
It urged the military to heighten security measures to prevent loss of life and property, stating, “The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up.”
The alert evokes memories of the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed by suspected ISWAP terrorists.
In response, Ondo State Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal convened a high-level security meeting on Tuesday with stakeholders from the Ikare and Iwaro-Oka Police Area Commands in the Akoko region.
The meeting, held in Ikare Akoko, aimed to strengthen community-police collaboration and align with the proactive policing strategies of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
Attendees included traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of Fulani and Igbo communities, and representatives from groups like the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, Nigeria Forest Security Service, Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee, led by Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.
The session fostered mutual trust, with stakeholders praising the police’s efforts to maintain peace and pledging to provide actionable intelligence.
Traditional rulers emphasized the need for vigilance in border communities near Ekiti and Kogi states to counter cross-border threats. Leaders of socio-economic groups, including Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, commended Lawal’s inclusive approach and committed to joint vigilance.
Lawal, in turn, shared his contact number, urging direct communication of credible information to bolster security operations.Ayanlade Olayinka, Ondo Police Command spokesperson, described the meeting as a proactive step to prevent law and order breakdowns.
The heightened alert and community engagement underscore the urgency of averting a repeat of past tragedies as security forces and residents brace for potential threats in the region.
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