By Our Reporter 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over intelligence reports indicating plans by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks in parts of Ondo and Kogi States.

In a confidential letter dated October 20, 2025 and addressed to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the DSS revealed that credible intelligence confirmed that the terrorist group had mapped out certain communities in both states for possible strikes.

According to the document signed by H.I. Kana, for the State Director of Security, Ondo State, some of the identified target locations include Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko communities in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The security alert further stated that the terrorist elements had commenced surveillance on potential soft targets within the listed areas, with a view to launching coordinated attacks at any moment.

The DSS therefore urged military authorities to heighten security vigilance and scale up surveillance operations across the affected communities to prevent any unforeseen situation.

“There is need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation,” the letter read in part, emphasising that prompt action was necessary to avert the planned assaults.

While the agency noted that the intelligence was shared for immediate action and coordination among security formations, it also conveyed the assurances and regards of the State Director of Security to the military command.

The warning comes amid growing concerns about rising terrorist activities across parts of Nigeria, with security agencies stepping up intelligence sharing and joint operations to combat emerging threats, especially in the South-West region that has, in recent times, witnessed occasional infiltration attempts by extremist groups.