DSS Alerts Nigerian Army About Planned ISWAP Attacks In Ondo And Kogi

The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted the Nigerian Army of a possible plan by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.

In a confidential letter sent to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the DSS described the threat as “imminent” and called for increased security patrols and surveillance across areas considered vulnerable.

The letter, signed by 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 communities under threat in Ondo State include Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the letter read in part.

“It was further gathered that the group has commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations. Consequently, there is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation.”

The DSS urged the army and other security agencies to take immediate preventive measures and emphasized the need for community members to remain watchful and report suspicious activities.

Speaking on the development, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the police were aware of the intelligence and had begun taking precautionary steps.

“That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” Ayanlade said.

KanyiDaily recalls that a Superintendent of Immigration, Suleiman was recently been killed by suspected ISWAP members in Niger State.