AKURE — The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over an imminent terrorist attack being planned by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in parts of 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 said credible intelligence revealed that ISWAP operatives were preparing to launch coordinated assaults on several communities.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security for the DSS in Ondo State, specifically 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.
The security agency warned that the terrorists had already begun surveillance on soft targets in these communities, urging the military to tighten security in the affected areas 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 level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property,” the memo read in part.
This warning comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed during morning mass by suspected ISWAP terrorists.
Ondo Police Commissioner Holds Security Meeting
Following the alert, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened a high-level security meeting on Tuesday with stakeholders from the Ikare and Iwaro-Oka Area Commands in the Akoko region.
Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said the meeting was part of efforts to strengthen proactive policing and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the state.
According to Olayinka, the meeting was aimed at enhancing collaboration between the police and local communities in responding swiftly to potential threats.
“The meeting, held in Ikare Akoko, brought together traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC),” he said.
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During the session, stakeholders commended the police for their continued efforts to maintain peace, pledging stronger cooperation through intelligence sharing and community vigilance.
Traditional rulers emphasized the need for tight security around border communities linking Ondo with Ekiti and Kogi states, while farmers promised to provide timely information to assist police operations.
Community leaders also praised the police commissioner for his inclusive and transparent approach to policing, assuring that they would continue to work closely with security agencies to protect lives and property.
In closing, CP Lawal appreciated the attendees for their support and commitment, sharing his personal contact with them and encouraging the public to report any credible intelligence that could help prevent attacks in the state.
