The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a security alert warning of imminent terrorist attacks by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) targeting parts of Ondo and Kogi States.
In a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the DSS revealed that credible intelligence indicated coordinated assault plans 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.
“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 DSS disclosed that insurgents have already begun surveillance of soft targets in the identified regions.
This alert comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed by suspected ISWAP gunmen — one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in South-West Nigeria.
Following the intelligence warning, Ondo State Police Commissioner, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened an emergency security meeting on Tuesday with stakeholders from the Akoko Area Commands (Ikare and Iwaro-Oka) to coordinate proactive measures.
According to Police Spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka, the meeting was part of efforts to enhance community policing and reinforce security vigilance across the affected areas.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, and representatives of groups including the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
Participants commended the police for maintaining peace and pledged timely intelligence sharing to prevent attacks. The Hausa-Fulani and Igbo community leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation with the police, while traditional rulers highlighted the need for stronger border surveillance across Ondo, Ekiti, and Kogi boundaries.
Commissioner Lawal thanked the stakeholders for their collaboration and shared his personal contact information with attendees, urging them to report credible intelligence promptly.
