…..DSS alerts Military.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered plot by terrorists to attack parts of Ondo and Kogi States by suspected fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In a confidential memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the DSS warned that credible intelligence confirmed plans by the insurgents to launch coordinated assaults on several communities.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, specifically listed 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 secret service, ISWAP operatives have already commenced surveillance on soft targets in the identified areas, prompting a call for the immediate strengthening of security operations to avert tragedy.
> “Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon. The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property.”
The alert comes barely three years after the June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed by suspected ISWAP gunmen — an incident that shocked the nation and exposed the reach of terrorism beyond the North-East.
Security experts have expressed deep concern over what they describe as the “renewed infiltration” of terrorist cells into the southern region, warning that the development signals a dangerous expansion of extremist networks.
PRESS RELEASE
CP Lawal Meets Akoko Stakeholders in Renewed Effort to Strengthen Security — Reiterates Commitment to Proactive Policing
In a renewed effort to prevent the breakdown of law and order, and in line with the proactive policing strategies of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, today convened a high-powered security meeting and community engagement session with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region — Ikare and Iwaro-Oka.
The meeting, held at Ikare Akoko, aimed at consolidating existing security partnerships and fostering greater collaboration between the police and members of the public. In attendance were traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by its State Chairman, Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.
The interactive session strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the police and the community. Participants commended the Command’s efforts in maintaining peace and pledged continued support through actionable intelligence and cooperation to keep crime low across the State. Representatives of the farmers also assured the Command of timely and accurate information to aid its operations, while traditional rulers highlighted the importance of border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi States in curbing cross-border threats.
Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, alongside other socio-economic groups, lauded the CP for his fairness, inclusivity, and people-oriented policing approach. They reaffirmed their commitment to information sharing and joint vigilance to protect lives and property.
CP Adebowale Lawal appreciated the stakeholders for their collaboration and commended the foot soldiers of the two Area Commands for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety of residents. He reiterated the Command’s determination to deepen community policing and sustain proactive engagement with all stakeholders.
Demonstrating his accessibility and leadership by example, the CP shared his contact number with attendees, urging them to reach out directly with credible information to support police operations. He further expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his strategic guidance, and to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his continuous support to the Command in maintaining peace and order.
CP Lawal reaffirmed that the Command remains committed to the IGP’s vision of proactive, intelligence-driven, and citizen-focused policing that guarantees lasting peace and security across Ondo State.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State
21st October, 2025
