In a confidential letter addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” by ISWAP terrorists and urged the Nigerian Army to intensify surveillance and strengthen security across vulnerable locations.
The letter, signed by H.I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, was titled “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP.”
According to the intelligence report, the targeted communities in Ondo State include Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
Part of the letter read:
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon.”
The report further revealed that ISWAP operatives had already begun surveillance of potential soft targets in the mentioned areas, prompting the DSS to call for an immediate security escalation to avert any possible attacks.
When contacted, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development, saying security operatives were acting swiftly on the intelligence.
“That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” Ayanlade said.
The latest alert comes more than three years after terrorists suspected to be ISWAP members attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring dozens. Several suspects were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS has therefore urged heightened vigilance among residents and close collaboration between local communities and security forces to ensure safety in the affected regions.
