Combined security forces from the Nigerian military, police and the Department of State Services (DSS), have commenced combing some thick forests in Ondo and Kogi states, Daily Trust reports.
It was learnt that the exercise, which is being jointly carried out with the operatives of Amotekun, hunters and forest guards, was in a bid to avert impending attacks by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
Credible sources told Daily Trust Tuesday night that the terrorists have infiltrated many communities in both states, with their cells being fortified in order to repeat the same scenario that happened at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
It would be recalled that three years ago, precisely on June 5, 2022, suspected terrorists with a connection with a global terrorist group, Al-Shabab, attacked the church, leaving at least 41 members of the church 2worshippers were also injured in the attack when the terrorists threw some explosives towards the altar.
After the attack, the then president, Late Muhammadu Buhari, ordered an immediate manhunt for the attackers, after which the DSS swung into action and arrested five persons.
The suspects were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Similarly, bandits have been terrorising five local governments in the Kogi West senatorial district, sharing boundaries with Ondo State.
The LGAs include Lokoja, Kabba/Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East and Ijumu, where killing and destruction of property have become the order of the day for months.
Policemen, vigilantes, traditional rulers and several citizens were some of the victims in many of the gunmen’s ambushes in the local government areas.
Speaking to Daily Trust anonymously, one of the sources said the intelligence agencies are aware of the fresh planned attacks already and that the DSS’ letter to the military to that effect manning the general areas has prepared them ahead.
‘Yes, security agencies are leaving no stone unturned regarding the matter’, the source said, adding that ‘ISWAP terrorists’ plans on communities in both Ondo and Kogi states are known to the security agents already.’
Another source said efforts are ongoing to dismantle the terrorists’ cells in the general areas of the two states, saying arrests would soon be made in connection with the imminent attack.
DSS’ alert
In a memo by the DSS and addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the secret police warned of the ‘imminent attacks’, calling for heightened surveillance and security deployment across vulnerable areas.
The security agency also called for immediate action by the army and other relevant forces to prevent the attacks, stressing that community vigilance is important and key to taming the impending attacks.
The letter, seen by Daily Trust and titled: ‘Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP,’ was signed by one H. I. Kana on behalf of the Ondo State Director of the Department of State Services.
The document listed targeted communities in Ondo State as Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
The letter partly read, ‘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.
‘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.’
Previous attacks in Kogi
Apart from the Owo attack in 2022, several other attacks have been carried out recently by gunmen suspected to be terrorists.
Specifically, on 10th September, 2025, five security operatives comprising three police officers and two vigilante members were killed at Egbe, Kogi West Area, close to Ondo.
Four other policemen were killed at a checkpoint in Abugi and Isanlu in Lokoja and Yagba East local government, respectively, on 21st September 2025 in a separate attack.
At the height of their attacks, on 15th May, 2025, the bandits abducted a traditional ruler, Obalohun of Ofoloke community, in Yagba West, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye.
In the same month, a young man, Lanlege Adewale, was kidnapped and had his hands chopped off while traveling between Egbe and Ikoro in the Yagba community.
Also, Major Joe Ajayi (rtd), who was kidnapped on May 21, 2025, at his residence in Odo-Ape in Kabba-Bunu local government area, was killed despite the payment of N10m ransom to his abductors for freedom.
Fish out terrorists’ backers, bishop tells FG, security agencies
Meanwhile, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owo in Ondo State, Dr Stephen Fagbemi, called on the government and security agencies to fish out those who provide different support for the attackers.
In an interview with one of our correspondents, Fagbemi admitted that tension is naturally high in the Owo axis, considering the past terror attacks in the area.
He, however, called on residents to be vigilant but not fearful.
The cleric said, ‘We are being made to be alert. We are not to be fearful, but it is for everybody to be more vigilant and take necessary precautions to be sure that we do not allow any strange elements to infiltrate into our ranks.
‘For us as a church, while we encourage our people to be vigilant, we will continue to pray and also offer our support to government agencies, security outfits, as we believe that they are also going to do their best and the Lord helping all of us, we shall be saved’.
Asked if the alert has heightened fears in Owo, considering the past attacks, Fagbemi responded, ‘Naturally, that Owo is being mentioned again will be of concern. We simply want to ask: what have we done? What’s our offence? Why is it that Owo is coming out again?
‘But surely we know that we shall overcome and God will help us and we will encourage our people to be law-abiding and be alert.’
Fagbemi urged the government and security agencies not to rest on their oars but work harder to protect the lives and property of the residents.
He also asked the government to fish out the masterminds of the terror threats.
‘Security is the primary task of the government, and we are trusting and hoping that they will not fail. We encourage them to put in their very best to ensure the lives of people are saved and they do as much as possible to fish out those who are involved in this kind of terror threat,’ he said.
Also speaking, the youth leader in Yagba East Local Government in the State, Joshua David, lamented that the security operatives lack the necessary capacity in weapons and logistics to confront invading bandits in the event of an organised or coordinated attack of the group.
David said, ‘Our security operatives can do better and clean them out of our communities if they are gifted with the necessary weapons and encouragement.
‘In the event where their morale is low, and coupled with poor logistic backup, it’s not feasible to confront such an organized attacker and get a good result. It’s just like standing on the rail of a moving train.
‘In my communities, we have lost a lot of them to bandits’ attacks, which had instilled fears into the residents for months.
Police convene high-level security meeting
Following the alert, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, convened a high-powered security meeting and community engagement session with local security operatives, farmers and traditional leaders in the area on Tuesday.
It was learnt that the discussion during the meeting was based solely on the security threats.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade, the meeting, held at Ikare Akoko, was ‘aimed at consolidating existing security partnerships and fostering greater collaboration between the police and members of the public.’
According to him, the meeting was attended by traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association.
Others are the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by its State Chairman, Gabriel Ariyo.
Ayanlade said the interactive session strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the police and the community, adding that attendees were urged to provide information that could aid the police operations.
‘Representatives of the farmers also assured the command of timely and accurate information to aid its operations, while traditional rulers highlighted the importance of border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi states in curbing cross-border threats.
‘Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, alongside other socio-economic groups, lauded the police commissioner for his fairness, inclusivity and people-oriented policing approach.
‘They reaffirmed their commitment to information sharing and joint vigilance to protect lives and property,’ the statement added.
Kogi, Ondo govts allay residents’ fear as military silent
The spokesman of 32 Artillery Brigade, Njoka Irabor, a Major, could not be reached for official comments yesterday when contacted.
Repeated phone calls to the military high command were also not responded to as the Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a Major-General, didn’t pick up his calls.
The senior military officer was yet to respond to both text and WhatsApp messages sent to him as when filing this report Wednesday morning.
But Ondo State governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, and his counterpart from Kogi, allayed fears of the residents over the security alert.
In a statement signed by Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the government confirmed the memo, saying steps have been taken to forestall break down of law and order.
The state government explained that the leaked memo formed part of routine intelligence reports regularly shared among security agencies and the government, as part of ongoing security operations, and has identified and prevented potential threats.
It noted that such intelligence reports usually contain varying levels of threat assessment and are used by security agencies to strengthen vigilance and take proactive measures.
The government assured residents that the reports are already being acted upon by relevant authorities, with adequate precautionary measures taken to ensure safety and security across the state.
The statement emphasised the need for cooperation between the government and security agencies to maintain vigilance and effectively respond to any possible threat.
It also urged residents to remain calm, alert, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency, adding that the government is taking every necessary step to prevent any attack within the state.
He said, ‘Governor Aiyedatiwa remains in constant contact with security agencies and has initiated several protective measures, particularly in border communities, to ensure that Ondo State retains its reputation as one of the safest in the country.
The statement further appealed to residents to continue their normal daily activities, refrain from taking laws into their own hands, cooperate with security operatives, and provide useful information that could help prevent potential threats.
On its part, the Kogi State Government urged its residents not to panic but to remain calm and vigilant over alleged planned terrorist attacks in parts of the state and Ondo.
Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi Commissioner for Information, while giving the assurance in a statement, said that the state is in possession of the intelligence report about the attack, which he described as a ‘step toward victory’.
‘Our possession of the intelligence report is a demonstration of the proactive work of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in protecting Kogi residents from criminal elements.
‘The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities. We commend the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed.
‘This government, hereby, assures residents that it’s working closely with the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police, and other relevant security formations to ensure that any terrorist attempt is completely foiled before it can threaten lives or property, ‘ he said.
According to him, Gov. Ahmed Ododo has made the security of lives and property in Kogi a top priority of his administration.
Fanwo said that strategic security measures had been reinforced across the state, and surveillance had been intensified, especially around border communities.
He urged residents to go about their normal businesses without fear but to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security agency.
‘The government will protect the people at all costs. We will not allow criminals or terror groups to disrupt the peace and progress we have built. ‘Kogi remains one of the safest states in Nigeria, and we intend to keep it that way,’ he said.
He also asked the government to fish out the masterminds of the terror threats.
‘Security is the primary task of the government, and we are trusting and hoping that they will not fail. We encourage them to put in their very best to ensure the lives of people are saved and they do as much as possible to fish out those who are involved in this kind of terror threat,’ he said.
Also speaking, the youth leader in Yagba East Local Government in the State, Joshua David, lamented that the security operatives lack the necessary capacity in weapons and logistics to confront invading bandits in the event of an organised or coordinated attack of the group.
David said, ‘Our security operatives can do better and clean them out of our communities if they are gifted with the necessary weapons and encouragement.
‘In the event where their morale is low, and coupled with poor logistic backup, it’s not feasible to confront such an organized attacker and get a good result. It’s just like standing on the rail of a moving train.
‘In my communities, we have lost a lot of them to bandits’ attacks, which had instilled fears into the residents for months.
Police convene high-level security meeting
Following the alert, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, convened a high-powered security meeting and community engagement session with local security operatives, farmers and traditional leaders in the area on Tuesday.
It was learnt that the discussion during the meeting was based solely on the security threats.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade, the meeting, held at Ikare Akoko, was ‘aimed at consolidating existing security partnerships and fostering greater collaboration between the police and members of the public.’
According to him, the meeting was attended by traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association.
Others are the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by its State Chairman, Gabriel Ariyo.
Ayanlade said the interactive session strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the police and the community, adding that attendees were urged to provide information that could aid the police operations.
‘Representatives of the farmers also assured the command of timely and accurate information to aid its operations, while traditional rulers highlighted the importance of border communities adjoining Ekiti and Kogi states in curbing cross-border threats.
‘Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, alongside other socio-economic groups, lauded the police commissioner for his fairness, inclusivity and people-oriented policing approach.
‘They reaffirmed their commitment to information sharing and joint vigilance to protect lives and property,’ the statement added.
Kogi, Ondo govts allay residents’ fear as military silent
The spokesman of 32 Artillery Brigade, Njoka Irabor, a Major, could not be reached for official comments yesterday when contacted.
Repeated phone calls to the military high command were also not responded to as the Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a Major-General, didn’t pick up his calls.
The senior military officer was yet to respond to both text and WhatsApp messages sent to him as when filing this report Wednesday morning.
But Ondo State governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, and his counterpart from Kogi, allayed fears of the residents over the security alert.
In a statement signed by Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the government confirmed the memo, saying steps have been taken to forestall break down of law and order.
The state government explained that the leaked memo formed part of routine intelligence reports regularly shared among security agencies and the government, as part of ongoing security operations, and has identified and prevented potential threats.
It noted that such intelligence reports usually contain varying levels of threat assessment and are used by security agencies to strengthen vigilance and take proactive measures.
The government assured residents that the reports are already being acted upon by relevant authorities, with adequate precautionary measures taken to ensure safety and security across the state.
The statement emphasised the need for cooperation between the government and security agencies to maintain vigilance and effectively respond to any possible threat.
It also urged residents to remain calm, alert, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency, adding that the government is taking every necessary step to prevent any attack within the state.
He said, ‘Governor Aiyedatiwa remains in constant contact with security agencies and has initiated several protective measures, particularly in border communities, to ensure that Ondo State retains its reputation as one of the safest in the country.
The statement further appealed to residents to continue their normal daily activities, refrain from taking laws into their own hands, cooperate with security operatives, and provide useful information that could help prevent potential threats.
On its part, the Kogi State Government urged its residents not to panic but to remain calm and vigilant over alleged planned terrorist attacks in parts of the state and Ondo.
Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi Commissioner for Information, while giving the assurance in a statement, said that the state is in possession of the intelligence report about the attack, which he described as a ‘step toward victory’.
‘Our possession of the intelligence report is a demonstration of the proactive work of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in protecting Kogi residents from criminal elements.
‘The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities. We commend the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed.
‘This government, hereby, assures residents that it’s working closely with the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police, and other relevant security formations to ensure that any terrorist attempt is completely foiled before it can threaten lives or property, ‘ he said.
According to him, Gov. Ahmed Ododo has made the security of lives and property in Kogi a top priority of his administration.
Fanwo said that strategic security measures had been reinforced across the state, and surveillance had been intensified, especially around border communities.
He urged residents to go about their normal businesses without fear but to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security agency.
‘The government will protect the people at all costs. We will not allow criminals or terror groups to disrupt the peace and progress we have built. ‘Kogi remains one of the safest states in Nigeria, and we intend to keep it that way,’ he said.