THE Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted the Nigerian military and sister security agencies of an imminent terror attack being planned by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
According to a classified memo dated October 20, 2025, obtained by News Point Nigeria, the secret police warned that credible intelligence confirmed plans by ISWAP fighters to launch coordinated assaults on strategic communities in both states.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, was addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure.
The confidential report listed 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 potential targets.
The DSS further revealed that the terrorists had commenced surveillance of soft targets in the identified locations, with intentions to strike soon.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the memo read in part.
“The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property.”
The agency called for heightened military presence, intelligence sharing, and community vigilance to forestall a repeat of past tragedies.
The latest alert comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were brutally killed by suspected ISWAP operatives during morning mass.
The DSS memo, therefore, urged immediate inter-agency collaboration to avert another bloodbath.
In response to the intelligence alert, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday convened a high-level security meeting with stakeholders from the Ikare-Akoko and Iwaro-Oka Police Area Commands.
The meeting, held in Ikare-Akoko, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and representatives of various socio-economic groups.
According to the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Superintendent Ayanlade Olayinka, the gathering was part of a proactive policing strategy directed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“The meeting aimed to consolidate existing security partnerships and foster greater collaboration between the police and members of the public,” Olayinka said.
Among those in attendance were leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, Vigilante and Hunters Groups, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.
Participants reportedly commended the police for their efforts in maintaining peace and pledged unwavering support through intelligence sharing and vigilance.
“The meeting strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the police and the community,” Olayinka added.
Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities also expressed appreciation for the inclusive approach of the CP, describing him as “accessible and fair.”
In a show of openness, CP Lawal shared his direct contact number with attendees and urged them to report any suspicious activity or movement of strange persons immediately.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja.