By Sarah Sam Adda
The Department of State Services (DSS), has alerted security agencies to an imminent attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), on communities in Ondo and Kogi States.
In a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, the DSS said credible intelligence confirmed plans by ISWAP to launch coordinated assaults on Eriti Akoko, Oyin Akoko (Akoko North-West LGA), and Owo town (Owo LGA).
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo Command, also indicated that the insurgents had begun surveillance of soft targets in the areas.
The alert comes three years after the June 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo attack, which claimed over 40 lives.
Reacting to the threat, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, convened a security meeting with stakeholders from Akoko Area Commands in Ikare and Iwaro-Oka.
Police spokesperson, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the meeting was part of proactive measures under the Inspector-General’s intelligence-led policing strategy.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, vigilante groups, and the PCRC pledged cooperation and intelligence sharing to secure border areas.
CP Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to community policing and urged residents to report suspicious movements to prevent attacks.
