Anxiety as DSS warns of fresh ISWAP attacks in Ondo, Kogi states

The Department of State Services, DSS, on Monday raised an alarm over an imminent terrorist attack on some communities in Ondo and Kogi states by the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP. 

A confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, stated that the DSS had warned that credible intelligence confirmed plans by insurgents to launch coordinated assaults on several communities.

The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, specifically listed Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as potential targets.

The secret police warned that the terrorists had already commenced surveillance on soft targets in the affected areas and called on the military to heighten security operations to forestall any attack. 

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon. “The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property.”

Meanwhile, Vanguard reports that, as a result of the intelligence report from the DSS, a security meeting has been held with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka, conveyed by the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal.

Spokesperson of the Ondo Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said that the meeting is “in a renewed effort to prevent the breakdown of law and order, and in line with the proactive policing strategies of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun. 

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday, convened a high-powered security meeting and community engagement session with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka.”

 “The meeting, held at Ikare Akoko, aimed at consolidating existing security partnerships and fostering greater collaboration between the police and members of the public.”

“In attendance were traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, the Nigeria Forest Security Service, NFSS, Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, led by its State Chairman, Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.”

“The interactive session strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the police and the community. “Participants commended the Command’s efforts in maintaining peace and pledged continued support through actionable intelligence and cooperation to keep crime low across the State.”

“Demonstrating his accessibility and leadership by example, the CP shared his contact number with attendees, urging them to reach out directly with credible information to support police operations,” Olayinka added.

Terrorist groups have existed in Nigeria for over a decade, with most of them restricting their operations to the Northern part of the country. However, that has since changed as they have been moving to some parts of the South-West, especially Kogi and Ondo states.

Do you think ISWAP are already in the South-West? Let us know what you think in the comment below.