Several Nigerian states have heightened security surveillance following an alert by the Department of State Services (DSS) warning of an alleged plot by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to attack parts of Ondo and Kogi States.
In a confidential memo addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” targeting communities in Ondo’s Akoko North-West and Owo local government areas. The agency urged security forces to step up vigilance and deployment to prevent any assault.
Reacting to the alert, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assured residents that the government was taking proactive measures. Through a statement by Information Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku, he said the leaked memo was part of routine intelligence sharing among security agencies and that precautionary steps were already in place to ensure public safety.
Kogi State Government, in a separate statement by Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, urged residents to remain calm, describing the DSS report as evidence of active intelligence work. He said Governor Ahmed Ododo had reinforced strategic security operations and surveillance across border communities to keep the state secure.
In Kwara State, Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the command had intensified patrols and coordination with other agencies to prevent infiltration by criminal groups. She added that joint military and police operations were ongoing in border areas to maintain peace.
Ekiti State’s Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), said security operatives, traditional rulers, and local vigilantes had been mobilised along the state’s borders with Ondo and Kogi. “We have deployed men and resources to ensure no breach occurs,” he stated.
Similarly, Ogun State announced tighter patrols and inter-agency collaboration to secure its borders, while Nasarawa State officials said an expanded security council meeting had been held to strengthen surveillance and intelligence operations across vulnerable communities.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani commended the DSS and President Bola Tinubu for a separate successful sting operation that dismantled a gunrunning syndicate in the state. The DSS recovered rifles, ammunition, and cash during coordinated raids in Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas.
Sani said the breakthrough underscored the success of Kaduna’s “Peace Model,” built on intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation, noting that the framework has helped reduce crime rates and is being studied by other states.
Across the affected states, authorities have urged citizens to stay calm but alert, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious movements as counter-terror measures remain on high alert.
