The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a fresh security alert, warning of imminent terrorist attacks by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on several communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
According to a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, and signed by Hi Kana, the Director of Security for the DSS in Ondo State, credible intelligence has revealed plans by ISWAP fighters to carry out coordinated assaults on soft targets in the two states.
The memo, which was addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery in Owena Cantonment, Akure, specifically mentioned Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, and Owo town in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State as likely targets.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon,” the DSS memo stated.
“The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property.”
This alert comes just three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed by suspected ISWAP terrorists during a Sunday mass service. That attack shocked the nation and remains one of the deadliest terror incidents in the South-West region.
The renewed threat has stirred serious concern among security agencies and residents of affected areas, prompting immediate response from police authorities in Ondo State.
In reaction to the DSS alert, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday convened an emergency security meeting in Ikare Akoko with key stakeholders drawn from across the two police area commands in the Akoko region — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka.
The meeting was aimed at boosting security preparedness, enhancing collaboration between security agencies and local communities, and preventing any possible breakdown of law and order.
According to the police spokesperson, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, the meeting was part of the “proactive policing strategies” of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
“The session aimed to consolidate existing security partnerships and foster greater collaboration between the police and members of the public,” Olayinka said.
The interactive session was attended by a wide range of community representatives, including traditional rulers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), vigilantes, hunters, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by its State Chairman, Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.
All participants pledged to work closely with security agencies to provide timely and actionable intelligence to prevent attacks.
Farmers’ groups promised to relay real-time information from their remote locations, while traditional rulers stressed the importance of monitoring border areas linking Ekiti and Kogi states, which could serve as entry routes for terrorists.
Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities also praised the police command for its inclusive and transparent approach to security.
“We commend the CP for his fairness and people-oriented policing. We are fully committed to sharing information and joining hands to protect our communities,” a community leader said.
In a show of commitment and accessibility, CP Adebowale Lawal shared his personal contact number with all attendees, encouraging them to contact him directly with credible information that could aid police operations.
“Let us continue to work together. We cannot afford another tragedy like Owo,” the CP said.
He also praised the officers in the two area commands for their dedication and sacrifice, assuring residents that the police would intensify patrols and intelligence gathering across the affected areas.
The Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter group of Boko Haram, has in recent years expanded its activities beyond the North-East into parts of the North-Central and South-West.
With security agencies now on high alert, and communities being mobilised for joint vigilance, the coming days will test how prepared Nigeria is to prevent yet another deadly attack on its soil.
