DSS alerts army of imminent ISWAP attacks in Ondo, Kogi

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a warning to the Nigerian Army about a suspected plan by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks on certain communities in Ondo and Kogi states.

In a confidential memo addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the DSS disclosed that “intelligence confirmed plans by members of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon.”

The alert, signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, was titled “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP.” It 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 document, the group had already begun monitoring possible “soft targets” in the affected areas.

“It was further gathered that the group has 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 letter added.

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The DSS urged the army and other security agencies to intensify patrols and maintain vigilance to prevent the planned assaults, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in identifying suspicious activities.

When contacted, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the intelligence report, saying the police had already taken proactive steps.

“That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” Ayanlade said.

This development 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 were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.