ISWAP: Act swiftly on DSS alerts – Okai to Nigerian Army, others

Usman Okai Austin, a Kogi-born political activist, on Wednesday, called on the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to act swiftly on every report by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Citing DSS recent alert to the Nigerian Army over an alleged plan by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States, Okai said such a measure would prevent Nigeria from witnessing avoidable crisis.

In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, Okai said the DSS has remained a key player in safeguarding lives and property across the country by sharing actionable intelligence with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence Corps.

He commended the secret service for its professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to national security through prompt and credible intelligence gathering.

According to Okai, the proactive intelligence demonstrates the DSS’s efficiency and dedication to protecting the nation from emerging threats.

He said: “We have observed with satisfaction the level of professionalism and intelligence coordination demonstrated by the Department of State Services.

“Their prompt alert on possible ISWAP attacks in Ondo and Kogi shows their commitment to their constitutional duty of preventing threats to internal security.”

He, however, expressed concern that despite the timely information provided by the DSS, other security agencies have not shown enough urgency in acting on such intelligence.

Okai recalled a similar incident in Yelwata, where the DSS had earlier warned of an impending attack, but the information was allegedly ignored, resulting in the loss of lives and property.

He urged state governors to hold regular security meetings with heads of the Army and other relevant agencies, stressing that public assurances must be backed by concrete action.

“The DSS remains a credible and professional intelligence agency that has earned the trust of Nigerians,” he said. “We call on the Army and other security outfits to take every DSS report seriously and act swiftly to prevent avoidable crises.”

Okai also appealed to the governors of Ondo and Kogi States to engage closely with security chiefs in their domains to coordinate preventive measures and reassure residents through visible action rather than rhetoric.

He reaffirmed his full support for the DSS and other national security institutions, urging Nigerians to cooperate with them by providing credible information to help tackle insecurity.

“I commend the DSS for their proactive approach to intelligence gathering and their consistent dedication to the protection of our nation.

“With better inter-agency collaboration, Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges,”Okai said.