The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over an imminent terrorist attack on some communities in Ondo and Kogi States by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In 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 warned that credible intelligence confirmed plans by the insurgents to launch coordinated assaults on several 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.
The security agency stated that the terrorists had commenced surveillance on soft targets in the affected areas and called on the military to heighten security operations to prevent any attack.
“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.
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 morning mass.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday held a high-powered security meeting with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka — in response to the security alert.
Spokesperson of the Ondo Police Command, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the meeting was “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.”
According to Olayinka, the meeting, held at Ikare Akoko, aimed to strengthen security partnerships and foster 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 National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, 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 session focused on building mutual trust and cooperation between the police and local communities. Participants commended the police 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 promised timely and accurate information to assist police operations, while traditional rulers emphasized 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, praised the Commissioner for his inclusive and community-driven approach to policing. They reaffirmed their commitment to information sharing and joint vigilance to protect lives and property.
CP Adebowale Lawal appreciated the stakeholders for their collaboration and commended officers of the two Area Commands for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety of residents.
Demonstrating his openness to partnership, the CP shared his personal contact number with attendees, urging them to reach out directly with credible information to support police operations.