The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed that a terrorist group, Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), is planning to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.

In a leaked confidential letter addressed to the Nigerian Army, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Ondo State, identified the target locations, including Oyin-Akoko and Eriti-Akoko, both in the Akoko North-West Local Council Area, and Owo, the headquarters of the Owo Local Council Area of the state.

According to the letter signed by H.I. Kana, DSS revealed that the groups have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets within the identified community.

Nigeria’s secret police also emphasised the need for heightened security measures in the state to prevent such attacks from occurring.

The letter read, “Intelligence confirmed plans by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states anytime soon. Some identified target locations within Ondo State include Eriti Akoko, Oyin Akoko communities in Akoko North West LGA and Owo town in Owo LGA, respectively.

“It was further gathered that the groups have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the abovementioned locations. Consequently, there is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation.

“While the above is for your information and further action, please accept assurances of the highest regard of the State Director of Security.”

Confirming the development, the police spokesperson in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that the command had deployed necessary operational and intelligence assets to tackle the situation swiftly.

Ayanlade also stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has held security meetings with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko axis.

“In a renewed effort to prevent the breakdown of law and order, and in line with the proactive policing strategies of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, on Tuesday, convened a high-powered security meeting and community engagement session with stakeholders from the two Police Area Commands in the Akoko region, Ikare and Iwaro-Oka,” Ayanlade stated.

The security alert is coming three years after terrorists suspected to be ISWAP members launched a deadly attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring dozens.

The DSS later arrested the suspects, who are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.