Ondo govt confirms leaked DSS terror alert, assures public of safety

Following the leaked security alert issued by the Department of State Services, DSS, over a planned coordinated attacks on some communities in the state by a terror group, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), the Ondo State government has assured the people of the state of safety.

While calling for calm over the development, Idowu Ajanaku described the leaked memo as a routine intelligence regularly shared among security agencies and government in the state.

According to Ajanaku, who disclosed that the intelligence is used to assess security threat and take proactive measures, the intelligence is already being acted upon by the government and relevant security agencies.

“Such reports are a normal part of security operations, aimed at identifying and preventing potential threats. The emphasis remains on maintaining vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the government to prevent and respond to any potential threats.

“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 DSS had in a leaked confidential memo addressed to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Akure, the state capital identified the target locations to include Oyin-Akoko, Eriti-Akoko both in Akoko North-West Local Council and Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Council Area of the state.

With the letter signed by one H.I Kana, the DSS revealed that the group has commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the identified communities, stressing the urgency to heightened security measures in the state in order to prevent such attacks from happening.