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The Government of Ondo State has confirmed the memo on security alert addressed to the Brigade Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade Akure on a possible terrorist attack on Ondo and Kogi States.
The memo by the Department of State Security (DSS) dated 20 October 2025 was tagged secret but leaked on Tuesday to the public.
The confidential memo warned that credible intelligence confirmed plans by the insurgents to launch coordinated assaults on several communities.
The memo, signed by Hi Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, specifically listed Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as potential targets.
According to the secret service, ISWAP operatives have already commenced surveillance on soft targets in the identified areas, prompting a call for the immediate strengthening of security operations to avert tragedy.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon. The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property,” the memo read.
Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon. The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up to prevent loss of lives and property,” the memo read.Terrorists unleashed mayhem in Owo in June 2022 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed and several others injured by suspected ISWAP terrorists.There was also a similar threat in May this year allegedly from the same terrorist group, but the threat was never carried out.
However the Ondo Government said it was aware of the meno, and clarified that it was part of a regular intelligence reports that are routinely shared among security agencies and the government.
”Such reports are a normal part of security operations, aimed at identifying and preventing potential threats,” Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, said on Wednesday in a statement.
”These intelligence reports often contain varying levels of threat assessment and are used in joint operations by security agencies to enhance vigilance and take proactive measures.”
Mr Ajanaku said the public could be assured that these reports are being acted upon by the government and relevant security agencies, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and security.
*The emphasis remains on maintaining vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the government to prevent and respond to any potential threats,” he said.
”We urge all residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.
”We want to reassure you that every measure is being taken to prevent any attack in Ondo State.”
Mr Ajanaku further said that the state government was in constant contact with security agencies and had taken several steps to protect residents, especially those in border communities, so that Ondo State can remain as one of the safest States in the country.
”Once again, we appeal to residents to remain calm, go about their normal daily activities, refrain from taking laws into their hands, cooperate with security agencies and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the State,” Mr Ajanaku added.
Meanwhile, security agencies in Ondo State have been set on high alert following the memo.
Although the police command is yet to officially confirm the memo from the DSS, it says it has taken measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
The Ondo State Police Commissioner, 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, namely Ikare and Iwaro-Oka respectively.
The meeting, it was gathered, was premised on the security threats as revealed by the SSS intelligence memo.
However, the command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting, held at Ikare Akoko, “aimed at consolidating existing security partnerships and fostering greater collaboration between the police and members of the public.”
The Akoko stakeholders meeting was attended by traditional rulers, senior police officers, leaders of the Fulani and Igbo communities, representatives of the NURTW, Okada Riders Association, Farmers’ Association, the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Vigilante and Hunters Associations, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) led by its State Chairman, Ambassador Gabriel Ariyo.
He said the interactive session strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the police and the community.
He also said the meeting extracted commitments from the stakeholders to furnish the command with intelligence and other information that could said it’s 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,” Mr Ayanlade said.
”Leaders of the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo communities, alongside other socio-economic groups, lauded the CP for his fairness, inclusivity, and people-oriented policing approach. They reaffirmed their commitment to information sharing and joint vigilance to protect lives and property.
”CP Adebowale Lawal appreciated the stakeholders for their collaboration and commended the foot soldiers of the two Area Commands for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety of residents. He reiterated the Command’s determination to deepen community policing and sustain proactive engagement with all stakeholders.”
Mr Ayanlade later confirmed that the threat was “partly why we are in Akoko today and everyone one of us are taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware.”