Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has sounded a dire warning of impending terrorist assaults by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on vulnerable communities in Ondo and Kogi States, alerting the Nigerian Army to mobilize against a cross-border plot that could strike “anytime soon.”
In 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, the DSS detailed “credible intelligence” exposing the insurgents’ blueprint for coordinated carnage. Signed by H.I. Kana J. on behalf of the Ondo State Director of Security, the document pinpoints high-risk zones in Ondo State: Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area (LGA), alongside Owo town in Owo LGA. Kogi’s threatened locales remain unspecified, but the alert stresses a synchronized offensive across both states.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists group to carry out coordinated attacks [on] communities in Ondo and Kogi States,” the memo states bluntly. It escalates the urgency: “It was further gathered that the groups have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above mentioned locations.”
The DSS urges immediate escalation: “Consequently, there is need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation.” The briefing closes with a formal nod: “While above is for your information and further action, accept assurances of the highest regards of the State Director of Security, please.”
This revelation revives traumatic memories of ISWAP’s June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, where over 40 worshippers perished. In response, Ondo State Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal convened an emergency summit with local commands in Ikare and Iwaro-Oka, enlisting farmers and traditional rulers for border vigilance. Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade affirmed: “Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware.”
As military reinforcements deploy, experts decry ISWAP’s southward creep from northeastern strongholds, exploiting porous frontiers for ambushes and bombings. Residents are implored to report anomalies via security hotlines, turning communal eyes into a bulwark against bloodshed.