Akure, Ondo State — 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) on communities in Ondo and Kogi States.
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 DSS disclosed that credible intelligence confirmed plans by ISWAP to launch coordinated assaults on soft targets.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, listed Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, among the potential targets. The agency warned that surveillance activities by the insurgents had already commenced in the affected areas.
“The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property,” the memo stated.
This alert comes three years after the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed during Sunday mass by suspected ISWAP operatives.
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Police Mobilize in Response
In response to the DSS warning, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened a high-level security meeting on Tuesday with stakeholders from the Ikare and Iwaro-Oka Police Area Commands in the Akoko region.
According to a statement by the state police spokesperson, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, the meeting was part of a renewed effort to prevent a breakdown of law and order and aligns with the proactive policing strategy of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Held in Ikare Akoko, the session brought together traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the 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.
Participants commended the Command’s efforts in maintaining peace and pledged continued support through actionable intelligence. Farmers promised timely information to aid police operations, while traditional rulers emphasized the need to secure border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi States.
Community leaders praised CP Lawal’s inclusive and people-oriented approach to policing and reaffirmed their commitment to joint vigilance.
In his remarks, CP Lawal thanked stakeholders for their collaboration and lauded officers in the two Area Commands for their dedication. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven, citizen-focused policing and shared his personal contact details to encourage direct communication with the public.