DSS Raises Alarm Over Planned ISWAP Attacks In Ondo

The Department of State Service (SSS) has raised the alarm about planned attacks on some border communities in Ondo State by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group.

In a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the security agency disclosed that credible intelligence confirmed plans by the terrorist group to carry out coordinated assaults in Ondo and Kogi States.

The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, Ondo State Command, identified Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, as among the terrorists’ intended targets.

The DSS warned that the terrorists had already begun surveillance on soft targets in the affected areas and called on the military to heighten security operations to prevent any attack.

The memo reads in part: “Intelligence has confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States soon.”

The agency further advised that security alertness across the identified communities be increased immediately to prevent loss of life and property.

This development comes barely three years after the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, where more than 40 worshippers were massacred by suspected ISWAP fighters.

However, reacting to the report, Ondo State Government assured residents that relevant security agencies were acting on the information and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety and security.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, the State government explained that the “leaked memo is part of regular intelligence reports routinely shared among security agencies and the government. Such reports are a normal part of security operations aimed at identifying and preventing potential threats.”

According to Ajanaku, “These intelligence reports often contain varying levels of threat assessment and are used in joint operations by security agencies to enhance vigilance and enable proactive measures.”

He added, “The government is aware of the recent security alert memo from the State Security Service addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure regarding a possible terrorist attack in parts of the state, which was leaked to the media.

“The public can be assured that these reports are being acted upon by the government and relevant security agencies, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and security.

“The emphasis remains on maintaining vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the government to prevent and respond to any potential threats.

“The Ondo State government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is in constant contact with security agencies and is taking several steps to protect residents, especially those in border communities, so that Ondo State remains one of the safest states in the country.”

Ajanaku urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.

He said, “We appeal to residents to stay calm, carry on with their normal daily activities, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, cooperate with security agencies, and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the state.”