DSS Warns of Imminent ISWAP Attacks in Ondo and Kogi States

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over intelligence reports indicating plans by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated terrorist attacks on 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 disclosed that credible intelligence confirmed the planned assaults.

The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, specifically identified Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as potential targets.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon,” the memo warned.
“The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property.”

The DSS added that the insurgents had already begun surveillance on soft targets in the affected areas and urged the military and other security agencies to intensify operations to prevent any assault.

This warning comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed by suspected ISWAP members during Sunday mass.

Ondo Police Hold Emergency Security Meeting

In response to the alert, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened a high-level security meeting with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in Akoko region — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said the meeting was held “in a renewed effort to prevent the breakdown of law and order and in line with the proactive policing strategies” of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

The session, held at Ikare Akoko, focused on strengthening collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Attendees included traditional rulers, senior police officers, community leaders from the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.

The meeting emphasized intelligence sharing, community vigilance, and cross-border cooperation to tackle potential threats.

Participants commended the police for their proactive approach and pledged continued support through timely intelligence. Farmers’ representatives promised to provide accurate information to aid security operations, while traditional rulers highlighted the importance of monitoring border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi States.

The CP, who shared his personal contact number with attendees, thanked participants for their cooperation and praised officers of the two Area Commands for their dedication and sacrifice in keeping the state safe.

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