States Heighten Security as DSS Warns of ISWAP Plot to Attack Ondo and Kogi

Following Tuesday’s alert from the Department of State Services about a planned attack by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province on Ondo and Kogi states, neighbouring states have stepped up surveillance and tightened counter-terror measures.

Kogi, which shares borders with ten states including Benue, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, has become a key focus area for preventive security operations.

In a confidential letter addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” by ISWAP terrorists and urged security agencies to intensify monitoring across vulnerable areas. The letter, signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security and titled Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP, listed Eriti-Akoko, Oyin-Akoko and Owo as targeted communities.

Intelligence reports revealed that the terrorists had begun surveillance of soft targets. The agency called for swift joint action to prevent the attacks and emphasised the need for community vigilance. The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the report, explaining that officers were already working on the intelligence.

The warning comes more than three years after suspected ISWAP members attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5 2022, killing forty-one worshippers and injuring dozens. The suspects were later arrested and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious movements. A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, clarified that the leaked memo was part of regular intelligence sharing between agencies and that preventive measures were already in place. He assured citizens that the government was coordinating with security agencies to safeguard lives and property, particularly in border communities.

Kogi State also moved swiftly to reassure residents. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the alert demonstrated the vigilance of Nigeria’s intelligence network. He confirmed that Governor Ahmed Ododo had reinforced strategic security measures and surveillance across the state, especially in border towns.

In neighbouring Ekiti, Security Adviser Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana disclosed that troops, Amotekun operatives, local hunters and Agro Marshals had been deployed along the borders with Ondo and Kogi. He appealed to citizens to remain calm and provide information to the authorities.

Other states, including Kwara, Osun, Ogun and Nasarawa, have also enhanced security operations, with police and local vigilante groups working closely with the military and DSS to prevent infiltration. Kaduna, meanwhile, commended the DSS and President Bola Tinubu for recent successes against gunrunning syndicates supplying weapons to terrorists across the North.

Governors across the affected regions have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and stability, assuring citizens that the coordinated response among security agencies will keep communities safe from ISWAP and other criminal networks.