DSS Alerts Nigerians to ISWAP Terror Plot in Ondo, Kogi States

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a security alert warning of imminent terrorist attacks on parts of Ondo and Kogi States by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the DSS disclosed that credible intelligence confirmed that insurgents were planning coordinated assaults on targeted communities.

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.

According to the DSS, the insurgents have already commenced surveillance of soft targets in the identified areas.

“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 warned.

The alert 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 a morning mass. That tragedy remains one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the South-West.

It was gathered that a security meeting was convened on Tuesday by the Ondo State Police Commissioner, Adebowale Lawal, with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in Akoko, Ikare and Iwaro-Oka, to deliberate on the DSS alert and strengthen preventive measures.

The Spokesperson of the Ondo Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said that the meeting is “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 Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday, convened a high-powered security meeting and community engagement session with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka.

“The meeting, held at Ikare Akoko, aimed at consolidating existing security partnerships and fostering greater collaboration between the police and members of the public.

“In attendance were 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 and understanding between the police and the community.

“Participants commended the Command’s efforts in maintaining peace and pledged continued support through actionable intelligence and cooperation to keep crime low across the State.

“Representatives of the farmers also assured the Command of timely and accurate information to aid its operations, while traditional rulers highlighted the importance of border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi States in curbing cross-border threats.

“Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, alongside other socio-economic groups, lauded the CP for his fairness, inclusivity, and people-oriented policing approach.

“They reaffirmed their commitment to information sharing and joint vigilance to protect lives and property.

“Police commissioner, Adebowale Lawal appreciated the stakeholders for their collaboration and commended the foot soldiers of the two Area Commands for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety of residents.

“Demonstrating his accessibility and leadership by example, the CP shared his contact number with attendees, urging them to reach out directly with credible information to support police operations.”