Security agencies on high alert as DSS warns of terror attacks in Ondo

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued an urgent warning about a potential attack on certain local communities in Ondo State by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group.

The alert was conveyed in a memo dated October 20, 2025, addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, located at Owena Cantonment, Akure.

A copy of the memo, signed by Hi Kana, the Ondo State Director of Security, was sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday in Akure.

The memo reads in part: “Intelligence confirmed plans by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon.”

According to the security alert, the targeted areas include Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko communities in Akoko North West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area.

The DSS urged the military authorities to intensify surveillance and security operations across the identified flashpoints to prevent any potential attack.

“The terrorist elements have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations. Consequently, there is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation,” the memo warned.

The alert comes three years after suspected ISWAP gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, leaving over 40 worshippers dead.

Security analysts have in recent times expressed concern over the gradual infiltration of terror elements into parts of the South, after years of insurgent activities concentrated mainly in the North-East region.

(Nation)