The Department of State Services has issued an urgent security warning over credible intelligence indicating that the Islamic State of West Africa Province is planning coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
In a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade at Owena Cantonment in Akure, the DSS revealed that insurgents have already begun surveillance operations on soft targets in the affected regions.
The security alert, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security at the DSS Ondo State Command, specifically identified 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 for the planned assaults.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon,” the memo stated. “The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property.”
In response to the threat, Ondo State Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal convened an emergency high-level security meeting on Tuesday, October 21, bringing together stakeholders from across the Akoko region.
The session, held at Ikare Akoko, brought together traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of transport unions, farmers’ associations, the Nigeria Forest Security Service, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee.
According to Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson for the Ondo Police Command, the meeting was part of “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, Kayode Egbetokun.”
## Community Leaders Pledge Support
Traditional rulers at the meeting emphasized the strategic importance of border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi states in preventing cross-border security threats. Farmers’ representatives assured security agencies of timely and accurate intelligence to support operations in vulnerable areas.
Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, along with other socio-economic groups, praised Commissioner Lawal’s inclusive approach to policing and pledged continued cooperation through information sharing and joint vigilance efforts.
Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo, State Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, led community representatives in commending the police command’s efforts in maintaining peace across the state.
Commissioner Lawal expressed appreciation for the stakeholders’ collaboration and commended officers of the two Area Commands—Ikare and Iwaro-Oka—for their dedication to protecting residents. In a demonstration of accessible leadership, the commissioner shared his direct contact with attendees, urging them to provide credible intelligence to support security operations.
The security alert comes as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency in its northeastern region, with concerns growing about the expansion of terrorist activities into other parts of the country. Owo town, one of the identified targets, was the site of a devastating attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in June 2022, which claimed dozens of lives.
Security experts are calling on residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies immediately.
