The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted the Nigerian Army to an imminent threat of terrorist attacks in several communities across Ondo State by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In a memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the secret police warned that intelligence reports confirmed plans by ISWAP operatives to launch coordinated assaults on select targets in Ondo and Kogi states.
The letter, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security for Ondo State, 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.
According to the DSS, the terrorist group has already begun surveillance on soft targets within the identified locations.
The service therefore urged the military and other security agencies to intensify patrols and heighten alert levels to prevent any attack.
“Consequently, there is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation,” the memo stated.
The warning comes three years after suspected ISWAP gunmen attacked a Catholic church in Owo, killing over 40 worshippers — an incident that shocked the nation and underscored the group’s growing reach beyond the North-East.
Security analysts have expressed concern over the renewed threats, noting that terrorist networks appear to be expanding their operations into Nigeria’s southern regions.
