The Department of State Services has warned of possible ISWAP attacks in Ondo and Kogi States.
Security agencies have been directed to heighten surveillance and prevent assaults on identified communities.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a security alert to the Nigerian Army over an alleged plan by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks in Ondo and Kogi States.
According to a confidential letter addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the DSS warned of possible strikes on selected communities and advised the army to strengthen surveillance in high-risk areas. The letter, which was signed by H.I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, was titled “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP.”
The document 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 security agency said intelligence reports had confirmed ISWAP’s intention to hit soft targets in the two states soon. It added that members of the group had already started monitoring the identified areas in preparation for an assault.
The DSS urged the military to respond swiftly and ensure tight coordination with other security agencies to forestall any attack. “There is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to prevent any untoward situation,” the memo partly read.
Speaking on the development, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police were already taking proactive steps following the security alert. “That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” he explained.
This warning comes over three years after gunmen suspected to be ISWAP members attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring several others. The suspects arrested in connection with that tragedy are still facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure that such an incident does not repeat itself.
