The Department of State Services (DSS) has notified the Nigerian Army of intelligence indicating that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants are planning coordinated strikes in Ondo and Kogi States.
In a confidential memo reportedly directed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure and obtained by AIT.live, the DSS cautioned that the extremist group is preparing “imminent attacks” and called for intensified security operations in at-risk areas.
The notice—signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security—carried the heading: “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP.” It identified communities in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, specifically Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko, along with Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as potential targets. The letter also stated that ISWAP operatives have begun monitoring soft targets in those locations.
The DSS urged the Army and other security agencies to act swiftly to forestall the threat and emphasized the need for communities to remain alert.
Speaking on the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the police are aware of the intelligence and have already taken measures to strengthen security. He assured the public that the command is working to ensure there are no surprises.
This warning follows more than three years after the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo on June 5, 2022, where 41 worshippers were killed and many others injured.
