By John Umeh
The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued an urgent alert warning of a planned series of terrorist attacks by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) targeting communities in Ondo and Kogi States.
In a classified memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the Ondo State Command of the DSS revealed that credible intelligence indicated ongoing plans by ISWAP to launch coordinated assaults on several locations.
According to the document signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security for the Ondo State Command, the terrorist group has identified Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, and Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as potential targets.
The memo warned that the insurgents had commenced surveillance activities in the affected areas and urged the military and security agencies to intensify patrols and fortify vulnerable communities.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon. The level of security alertness across the identified locations should be immediately scaled up to prevent casualties and property loss,” the DSS memo read in part.
The alert has heightened fears across the state, coming just three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed during Sunday service by suspected ISWAP operatives.
Police, Stakeholders Move to Avert Crisis
In response to the DSS warning, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened an emergency security meeting on Tuesday with key stakeholders across the Akoko region.
The meeting, held at Ikare Akoko, brought together senior police officers, traditional rulers, and leaders of major ethnic, community, and socio-economic groups. It aimed to strengthen intelligence sharing and reinforce security collaboration across local communities.
Police spokesperson, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement issued after the meeting, said the gathering was part of a proactive effort to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened a high-level meeting with stakeholders from the Ikare and Iwaro-Oka Area Commands in a renewed effort to strengthen community policing and intelligence coordination,” Olayinka said.
Among those in attendance were the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, traditional rulers from border towns, leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the NURTW, Okada Riders Union, Farmers’ Association, Vigilante and Hunters’ Groups, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
Participants reportedly commended the police for their proactive response and pledged to provide timely intelligence to help foil any possible terrorist plots.
Traditional leaders emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance in border communities adjoining Kogi and Ekiti States, while local farmers and transport unions vowed to assist security operatives with logistics and early-warning information.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal, thanked the participants for their cooperation and assured them that the police were working closely with the DSS, the military, and other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across Ondo State.
He also shared his direct contact information with community representatives, encouraging residents to promptly report any suspicious activity.
“We are on full alert. Every piece of credible information counts. Together with the people, we will ensure Ondo remains safe and that no terrorist element succeeds in destabilizing our peace,” the Commissioner affirmed.
Security sources confirmed that patrols and intelligence operations have been intensified around major highways, forests, and border towns in both Ondo and Kogi States.
