The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a warning about an impending terrorist attack on some communities in Ondo and Kogi states by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to 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 security agency revealed that credible intelligence confirmed plans by the insurgents to launch coordinated assaults on several communities.
Signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, the memo identified “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 DSS disclosed that the terrorists had begun surveillance of soft targets in the affected areas, urging military authorities to intensify 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.”
This alert comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed during morning mass by suspected ISWAP members.
In response to the latest warning, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, convened a high-level security meeting with stakeholders from the Ikare and Iwaro-Oka Area Commands to strengthen proactive measures.
Spokesperson for the Ondo Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the meeting was held “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 engagement, held in Ikare Akoko, brought together traditional rulers, senior police officers, community leaders, and representatives of various associations, including the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, NFSS, Vigilante and Hunters Groups, and the PCRC.
Participants commended the police for their efforts in maintaining peace and pledged to provide actionable intelligence to support security operations. The police commissioner expressed gratitude for the cooperation and urged continuous vigilance, even sharing his direct contact for swift communication on security threats.