AKURE/LOKOJA — The governments of Ondo and Kogi states on Wednesday urged residents to remain calm but vigilant after a Department of State Services (DSS) memo warned of a possible Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) plot to launch coordinated assaults in parts of the two states.
The confidential DSS alert, dated October 20 and addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, identified Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West LGA and Owo in Owo LGA among potential targets in Ondo. A parallel advisory went to Kogi, where farmer groups and traditional rulers pledged tighter information-sharing, particularly in border communities with Ekiti and Kogi.
Ondo’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said the leaked document formed part of the “regular intelligence reports” routinely exchanged among security agencies and government to pre-empt threats. “These reports are being acted upon…and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and security,” he said, adding that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains in constant contact with security chiefs, with heightened measures around border communities. He urged residents to stay calm, avoid vigilantism, and promptly report suspicious activity.
In Kogi, Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo framed the DSS warning as evidence of a proactive security posture. “We commend the DSS for its vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans,” he said. Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reinforced strategic security deployments statewide, with intensified surveillance—especially along borders—while reiterating: “Kogi remains one of the safest states in Nigeria, and we intend to keep it that way.”
Both states said they are coordinating with the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and other formations to deter any attack before it threatens lives or property.
ISWAP and Boko Haram have stepped up activity in the North East—particularly Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa—in recent years. The DSS memo marks a rare, explicit warning about potential operations further west. Authorities in Ondo and Kogi stressed that the alert does not signal immediate danger but warrants heightened vigilance and cooperation with security agencies.
Residents were advised to continue normal activities, avoid spreading unverified claims, and use official hotlines or the nearest security post to report suspicious persons, movements, or abandoned items.
