DSS activates counter-terror operations in Kogi, Ondo over ISWAP threat

The Department of State Services (DSS) has activated special surveillance and counter-terror operations aimed at nipping in the bud a new wave of plots by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), said to be active along border communities connecting Kogi and Ondo states.

The activation of the counter-insurgency measures follows a threat issued by ISWAP on Tuesday to attack the two states over ongoing intensive military operations designed to flush out elements disguising as bandits in the area.

Security sources confirmed to BusinessDay the presence of ISWAP sleeper cells in Okene, Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria.

Kogi shares boundaries with 10 states; Benue in the east, Anambra in the south, Enugu in the southeast, Edo in the southwest, Ondo in the west, Ekiti in the west, Kwara in the west, Niger in the north, Nasarawa in the northeast, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Read also: ISWAP attacks three Borno LGAs, Yobe communities

Following ISWAP’s threat, the governors of the two states called on residents of border communities to remain calm but vigilant, assuring that security in the affected areas has been strengthened to deter any attacks.

The governors’ assurance came on the heels of a recent meeting between the leadership of the DSS and the Nigerian Army from both states, held in Lokoja to discuss the security threat.

In a confidential letter addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, the secret police warned of “imminent attacks” by ISWAP terrorists and urged heightened surveillance and security deployment across vulnerable areas.

The letter, signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, was titled, ‘Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP.’

According to the document, the targeted communities in Ondo State include Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.

“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 letter read in part.

“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,” it added.

The security agency called for immediate action by the Army and other relevant forces to prevent the attacks, stressing the importance of community vigilance.

Olayinka Ayanlade, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development, saying the police were already acting on the intelligence.

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

The alert comes more than three years after terrorists suspected to be ISWAP members attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring dozens.

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

Speaking on the terror plot on Wednesday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, urged the residents of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or strangers in their communities to the security agencies.

In a statement issued by Idowu Ajanaku, the state commissioner for Information, the government said it was aware of the security threat and had been taking necessary precautions to avert it.

The statement read, “The Government of Ondo State is aware of the recent security alert memo of the State Security Services addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure regarding a possible terrorist attack in some parts of the state, which got leaked to the media.

“The leaked memo is part of regular intelligence reports that are routinely shared among security agencies and the government. Such reports are a normal part of security operations, aimed at identifying and preventing potential threats.

“These intelligence reports often contain varying levels of threat assessment and are used in joint operations by security agencies to enhance vigilance and take proactive measures.

“The public can be assured that these reports are being acted upon by the government and relevant security agencies, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and security. The emphasis remains on maintaining vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the government to prevent and respond to any potential threats.

Read also: ISWAP fighters kill 23 farmers, fishermen in Borno over alleged ties with rivals

“We urge all residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency. We want to reassure you that every measure is being taken to prevent any attack in Ondo State.”

The government explained it was in contact with the security agencies and taking several steps to protect residents, especially those in border communities, so Ondo could remain as one of the safest states in the country.

“Once again, we appeal to residents to remain calm, go about their normal daily activities, refrain from taking law into their hands, cooperate with security agencies and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the state,” the statement concluded.

Despite the official assurances, scared residents in the communities under threat have appealed to the state government and the security agencies not to take the threat lightly.