The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alert over a planned series of coordinated attacks by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on communities in Ondo and Kogi States.
In a confidential communication addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the DSS warned of imminent threats and urged increased surveillance and security presence in the affected areas. The letter, titled “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP”, was signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security.
According to the intelligence, the targeted areas in Ondo State include Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area. The DSS revealed that ISWAP operatives have already begun surveillance of soft targets in these communities and could strike at any time.
The security agency called for immediate action from the Nigerian Army and other relevant security forces, stressing the need for heightened alertness and proactive measures to prevent any attack. It also emphasized the importance of community vigilance in assisting security operations.
Confirming the intelligence report, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that the police were already acting on the information. He added that recent deployments in the Akoko area were part of preventive efforts.
This alert comes in the shadow of the June 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which claimed the lives of 41 worshippers and left many injured. The suspects in that attack, believed to be ISWAP members, are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Security agencies are now working to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.
Post comments (0)