Department of State Services, DSS, has alerted the Nigerian Army of a plot by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, terrorist group to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
In a confidential letter addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, and sighted by AIT.live, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” by ISWAP terrorists and urged heightened surveillance and security deployment across vulnerable areas.
The letter, signed by one 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, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
According to the letter, it was further gathered that the terrorist group has already commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations.
The security agency called for immediate action by the Army and other relevant forces to prevent the attacks, stressing the importance of community vigilance.
When contacted, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development, saying the police were already acting on the intelligence.
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Ayanlade said the command is taking steps to ensure no event takes them unaware.
The alert comes more than three years after terrorists attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring dozens.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
