Amanze Chinonye
The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted the Nigerian Army to a credible plot by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
According to a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the security agency warned that intelligence confirmed plans by the insurgents to strike rural settlements and border communities in the two states.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, 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. It cautioned that ISWAP members had already begun surveillance on soft targets in the affected areas.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon,” the memo read in part. “The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property.”
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The development has triggered heightened security activity across Ondo and Kogi, with the military, police, and local vigilante networks reportedly increasing patrols and intelligence sharing to forestall possible attacks.
In Ondo State, Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday convened a high-powered security meeting with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region, Ikare and Iwaro-Oka in response to the DSS alert.
The meeting, according to Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, was held “in 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, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.”
The DSS warning comes three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed during a Sunday mass by gunmen later linked to ISWAP.
Security analysts have described the new alert as a sign of the group’s continued attempt to expand its operations beyond Nigeria’s North-East, where it has remained active for more than a decade.
As of October 22, 2025, no attack had been reported in the affected areas, but residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement to security agencies.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
