The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised alarm over an imminent terrorist attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on communities in 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 said it received credible intelligence indicating that ISWAP operatives are planning coordinated assaults on several communities.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, listed Eriti Akoko, Oyin Akoko (in Akoko North-West Local Government Area), and Owo town (in Owo Local Government Area) as key targets.
According to the document, the terrorists have already begun surveillance of soft targets in the affected areas. The DSS therefore urged the military to heighten security operations and maintain maximum vigilance to avert any potential tragedy.
“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.
This alert comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were brutally killed during a Sunday mass by suspected ISWAP terrorists.
Ondo Police Reacts, Holds Emergency Security Meeting
In response to the intelligence, Ondo State Police Commissioner, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened an emergency security meeting on Tuesday with stakeholders from the Ikare and Iwaro-Oka Police Area Commands.
Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said the meeting was part of the command’s proactive measures to strengthen community policing and prevent any breach of peace.
The high-level session, held in Ikare Akoko, brought together traditional rulers, senior police officers, Fulani and Igbo community leaders, representatives of farmers, vigilante groups, hunters, NURTW, Okada riders, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
Participants commended the police for maintaining peace in the state and pledged stronger cooperation through intelligence sharing and community vigilance.
Lawal, who shared his personal contact number with attendees, encouraged them to report credible information directly to him to aid rapid police response.
He also applauded officers under the two Area Commands for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
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