Following the crimson alert raised by the Division of State Companies over a reputable intelligence report indicating plans by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province to hold out coordinated terrorist assaults in Ondo and Kogi States, safety formations have been heightened within the two states.
Based on a safety memo sighted by navy authorities, the DSS warned that ISWAP operatives have commenced surveillance of sentimental targets throughout chosen communities, with the purpose of launching simultaneous assaults.
The confidential memo, addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, urged the Nigerian Military to accentuate surveillance and preventive operations throughout recognized flashpoints in each states.
The DSS memo dated October 20, 2025, disclosed that intelligence gathered from a number of area operatives signifies that ISWAP cells have been lively within the Akoko axis of Ondo State and elements of Kogi East, getting ready for an imminent coordinated strike.
The safety advisory, titled “Plans by ISWAP to Launch Coordinated Assaults in Kogi and Ondo States,” particularly talked about the next communities as potential targets: Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Native Authorities Space of Ondo State. Owo city in Owo Native Authorities Space, a location beforehand attacked by ISWAP in 2022. Unnamed communities in Kogi East, the place actions of suspected terrorist parts have been lately noticed.
The alert urged the Military and different safety businesses to position troops on excessive operational readiness, conduct aggressive patrols, and improve intelligence-sharing with native vigilante {groups} and group leaders.
The newest intelligence comes amid rising fears that ISWAP, initially concentrated in Nigeria’s North-East, is increasing operations into the South-West and North-Central areas.
Safety consultants warn that the group’s evolving techniques and infiltration networks have elevated the danger of assaults in states beforehand thought of protected.
Analysts imagine the brand new DSS alert might point out a resurgence of comparable threats concentrating on civilian populations and symbolic websites.
The Ondo State Police Command reportedly convened a safety assembly involving divisional law enforcement officials, native authorities chairmen, and conventional rulers to assessment counter-terrorism methods. The 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure has intensified reconnaissance and surveillance operations in border communities between Ondo and Kogi States.
Native vigilance {groups} have been suggested to take care of evening patrols and promptly report any suspicious actions.
In the meantime, the Kogi State Authorities has referred to as on residents of the state to stay calm and vigilant following reviews of a deliberate terrorist assault in elements of Kogi and Ondo states.
In a press release issued by the State Commissioner for Info and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the federal government described the intelligence report as a step in direction of victory, noting that it demonstrates the proactive work of the Division of State Companies and different safety businesses in defending Nigerians from prison parts.
“The report itself is proof that our safety businesses are alive to their tasks. We commend the DSS for his or her vigilance and for offering early intelligence able to stopping such evil plans from being executed,” the assertion learn.
The commissioner assured residents that the Kogi State Authorities is working intently with the DSS, the Nigerian Military, the Police, and different related safety formations to make sure that any terrorist try is totally foiled earlier than it may possibly threaten lives or property.
“His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has made safety of lives and property a prime precedence of his administration. Strategic safety measures have been bolstered throughout the state, and surveillance has been intensified, particularly round border communities,” Fanwo added.
He urged residents to proceed their regular actions with out concern however to stay vigilant and report any suspicious actions or individuals to the closest safety company.
“The federal government will shield the individuals in any respect prices. We is not going to permit criminals or terror {groups} to disrupt the peace and progress now we have constructed. Kogi stays one of many most secure states in Nigeria, and we intend to maintain it that manner,” the assertion concluded.
Equally, the Ondo State Authorities in a press release signed by the Commissioner for Info and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, urged members of the general public to stay calm relating to the alert by the DSS.
“The Authorities of Ondo State is conscious of the latest safety alert memo of the State Safety Companies addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Military in Akure relating to a potential terrorist assault in some elements of the state, which acquired leaked to the media,” Ajanaku mentioned.
“The leaked memo is a part of common intelligence reviews which are routinely shared amongst safety businesses and the federal government. Such reviews are a standard a part of safety operations, aimed toward figuring out and stopping potential threats. These intelligence reviews typically comprise various ranges of threat evaluation and are utilized in joint operations by safety businesses to reinforce vigilance and take proactive measures.
“The general public could be assured that these reviews are being acted upon by the federal government and related safety businesses, and crucial precautions are being taken to make sure security and safety. The emphasis stays on sustaining vigilance and cooperation between safety businesses and the federal government to stop and reply to any potential threats.
“We urge all residents to stay calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious exercise to the closest safety company. We wish to reassure you that each measure is being taken to stop any assault in Ondo State.”