SSS raises alarm over imminent ISWAP attack in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The State Security Service (SSS) has alerted the Nigerian Army to an imminent terrorist attack in Ondo State allegedly being plotted by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In a memo dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the SSS said intelligence reports confirmed plans by ISWAP to strike some communities in the state.
“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,” said the SSS memo signed by Hi Kana, Ondo State Directorate of Security.
The memo revealed that the targeted areas include Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area.
The security agency urged the military to intensify surveillance and strengthen security measures across the state to avert the planned attacks. It further warned that the terrorist group “have commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations.”
It added, “Consequently, there is a need to scale up the level of security alertness in the various communities to forestall any untoward situation.”
The development comes three years after suspected ISWAP members launched a deadly attack on a Catholic church in Owo, where over 40 worshippers were killed.
In recent months, security experts have expressed concern over the growing spread of terrorist activities into southern Nigeria, after years of violence concentrated largely in the Northeast.
