States tighten security after DSS uncovers terrorists plan to attack Ondo, Kogi

Amid rising security concerns, states across the North-Central and South-West regions have heightened surveillance and counter-terrorism measures following an intelligence alert from the Department of State Services (DSS) warning of an alleged plot by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated attacks in Ondo and Kogi states.

The DSS, in a confidential memo addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, warned of “imminent attacks” on communities in both states.

The intelligence report, signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, identified Eriti-Akoko, Oyin-Akoko, and Owo town in Ondo State as potential targets.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the DSS stated, urging the army and other security agencies to increase surveillance and preparedness.

In response, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed immediate action on the intelligence. Police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said officers were already deployed to flashpoints. “Everyone is taking steps to ensure that no event takes us unawares,” he said.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Governor) in a statement by Idowu Ajanaku, Commissioner for Information, urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, assuring that security agencies were working jointly to forestall any incident.

“The leaked memo forms part of routine intelligence reports shared among security agencies and government. Such alerts are aimed at preventing potential threats, and all relevant agencies are already acting on the intelligence,” Ajanaku said.

Read also: Troops repel night attack by Boko Haram, ISWAP fighters on Gajibo army base, Borno

The latest alert stimulate fears of a repeat of the June 5, 2022, Owo church massacre, in which 41 worshippers were killed in an attack linked to ISWAP.

Residents in the affected areas expressed anxiety but urged the government to take proactive steps.

In Ekiti, the state government deployed security personnel along borders with Ondo and Kogi states. Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), said, “We have mobilised the Army, Amotekun Corps, Agro Marshals, local hunters, and vigilantes. Bush clearing has also begun to deny criminals any hiding place.”

The Kwara State Police Command also announced increased patrols and intelligence operations.

“The command is collaborating with sister agencies to ensure that Kwara remains safe. Patrols have been intensified, especially along border areas’, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, Police spokesperson.

In Kogi, which borders ten states including Ondo, Ahmed Ododo (Governor) ordered the reinforcement of security around boundary communities.

Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information, described the DSS alert as proof that Nigeria’s security agencies were vigilant.

“The report shows our agencies are alive to their responsibilities. Strategic measures have been reinforced across Kogi, and surveillance intensified,” Fanwo stated, assuring residents that the state remains one of the safest in the country.

Samuel Ojo, Osun’s Special Adviser on Security, said the Ademola Adeleke administration had taken preventive steps long before the DSS memo was leaked.

Read also: DSS alerts Nigerians to another fake operative defrauding public

“We monitor boundary communities daily and hold regular inter-state meetings with counterparts from Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara,” he said.

Ogun State also announced tighter security around its border communities as Kayode Akinmade, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s aide on Information and Strategy, said a “robust intelligence network” had been activated in collaboration with local informants.

“Suspicious movements have been promptly intercepted and neutralised through swift response,” he said.

In Nasarawa, the state government said it had adopted a new security approach following an expanded security council meeting chaired by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Shetima Mohammed, Commissioner of Police, Nasarswa State dismissed rumours of a new Boko Haram splinter group operating in the state, stressing that “no such group exists.”

Meanwhile, Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, commended President Bola Tinubu and the DSS for dismantling a gunrunning syndicate supplying weapons to bandit networks across the North.

Three suspects were arrested in covert DSS operations in Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas.

According to him, weapons recovered included AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, and hundreds of rounds of live ammunition.

Sani described the success as a validation of his administration’s intelligence-driven Kaduna Peace Model, which combines security collaboration and community engagement.

“There will be no hiding place for bandits or arms traffickers. This is the result of synergy among agencies,” he said.

With Kogi sharing borders with nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, security experts have warned that any breach could threaten central Nigeria.

“When you see something, say something, your identity will be protected. Together, we will keep our communities safe”, Sani reiterated.