The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over an alleged plan by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
In a confidential letter addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” and urged heightened security surveillance across vulnerable areas.
The letter, signed by one H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security and titled “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP,” listed the targeted areas in Ondo State as Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, and Owo town in Owo Local Government Area.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the letter stated in part.
The security memo also revealed that the terrorist group had begun surveillance of potential soft targets in the identified communities. It called for immediate security reinforcement to prevent any possible attack.
Reacting to the report, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the intelligence had been received, assuring that security agencies were taking proactive steps.
“That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” Ayanlade said.
The alert comes over three years after suspected ISWAP members attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring several others. The suspects were later apprehended by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
