Abuja, Nigeria — Nigerian state authorities in the country’s central and western regions have activated heightened surveillance and counter-terror measures following an intelligence alert from the Department of State Services (DSS) warning of an imminent attack plot by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The DSS issued a confidential letter on Tuesday to the Nigerian Army, warning of “imminent attacks” planned by ISWAP terrorists against communities in Ondo and Kogi states. The intelligence specifically named communities in Ondo, including Eriti-Akoko, Oyin-Akoko, and the major town of Owo, which was the site of a deadly church attack in 2022 linked to the terror group.
The concerned state governments, including those neighbouring the affected areas like Osun and Kwara, have urged residents to remain calm but highly vigilant.
Government Response and Assurances
In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged residents to report any suspicious activities immediately. The state government acknowledged the leaked security memo as part of “regular intelligence reports” and assured the public that all necessary precautions were being taken.
“The public can be assured that these reports are being acted upon by the government and relevant security agencies, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and security,” the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, stated.
Similarly, the Kogi State Government, which shares borders with 10 other states including Ondo and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), praised the DSS for its vigilance. The government confirmed that strategic security measures have been reinforced and surveillance intensified, particularly in border communities.
“The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities,” said Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi’s Commissioner for Information, assuring citizens that Governor Ahmed Ododo has made security a top priority.
Authorities in neighbouring states also took action:
- The Osun State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Samuel Ojo, confirmed that proactive measures were taken to prevent infiltration into boundary communities even before the public alarm.
- The Kwara State Police Command announced that it has intensified surveillance and is collaborating with sister agencies to ensure the state remains safe from potential infiltration.
The alert comes three years after the notorious attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in June 2022, which killed 41 worshippers. Residents in the newly targeted communities have appealed to the government not to dismiss the threat and to maintain a proactive security presence.
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