Key Points

• DSS confirms plans by ISWAP to attack communities in Ondo and Kogi.

• Police commissioner meets local leaders to strengthen community security.

• Stakeholders pledge cooperation to prevent another mass attack.

The Department of State Services has warned of a possible terrorist attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province on parts of Ondo and Kogi states.

The alert came in a memo dated October 20, 2025. It was sent to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure.

According to the DSS, credible intelligence showed that ISWAP members were preparing to launch coordinated assaults on several locations.

The letter, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security for the DSS in Ondo State, listed Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as likely targets.

The DSS said the group had started surveillance of soft targets. It called on the military to step up patrols and intelligence gathering in those areas.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states soon,” the memo read.

“Security across these communities should be scaled up immediately to prevent loss of lives and property.”

The warning came three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo. More than 40 worshippers died in that attack, which authorities linked to ISWAP.

Police, communities meet to boost security

Following the DSS alert, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, met with security stakeholders from the Akoko region.

The meeting involved the two Police Area Commands — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka — and focused on preventing possible attacks.

Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said the gathering was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community policing.
“The Commissioner convened a high-level security meeting with key stakeholders from the Akoko region,” Olayinka said.

“The goal was to build stronger cooperation between security agencies and residents.”

Those present included traditional rulers, senior police officers, Fulani and Igbo community leaders, and representatives of major unions and local associations.

They included the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, the Nigeria Forest Security Service, Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee led by Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.

Residents promise support, police heighten patrols

Community leaders at the meeting praised the police for maintaining calm. They promised to help with intelligence sharing and surveillance.

Farmers also pledged to alert authorities about strange movements in rural areas.

Traditional rulers from border communities near Ekiti and Kogi states discussed plans for joint patrols.

Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo groups commended the police for their fairness and open approach. They also pledged full cooperation to protect lives and property.

Commissioner Lawal thanked residents for their support and encouraged them to stay vigilant. He gave out his personal phone number and urged people to call directly with credible information.

Meanwhile, security patrols have increased in Owo and across the Akoko region. Armed officers now monitor major roads, while local vigilante groups have intensified night watch operations.