The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a high-level security alert warning of imminent terrorist attacks on several communities in Ondo and Kogi States by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, 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 plans by the insurgents to launch coordinated assaults on multiple locations.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, 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 potential targets.
The agency noted that the terrorists had already commenced surveillance on soft targets and urged the military to heighten security operations to avert loss of lives and property.
“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,” the memo warned.
The alert comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed during a Sunday mass by suspected ISWAP members.
Ondo Police Command Holds Emergency Security Meeting
In response to the DSS warning, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday, convened a high-powered security and community engagement meeting with stakeholders from the Ikare and Iwaro-Oka Area Commands in the Akoko region.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, the meeting was part of the proactive policing strategies of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Attendees included 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 (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by its state chairman, Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.
The interactive session strengthened mutual trust between the police and the community, with participants pledging continued support through actionable intelligence.
CP Lawal expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their cooperation and shared his direct contact with attendees, encouraging prompt reporting of credible information to support security operations.