Security Operations Intensify in Ondo and Kogi States
Security forces from the Nigerian military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) have begun a comprehensive operation in the dense forests of Ondo and Kogi states. This joint effort involves operatives from Amotekun, hunters, and forest guards, aimed at preventing potential attacks by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
According to credible sources, ISWAP has infiltrated numerous communities in both states, with their cells being fortified to replicate the tragic events that occurred at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo three years ago. On June 5, 2022, suspected terrorists linked to Al-Shabab attacked the church, resulting in the deaths of at least 41 worshippers and injuring many others when explosives were thrown toward the altar. Following this attack, then-president Muhammadu Buhari ordered an immediate manhunt, leading to the arrest of five suspects by the DSS, who are now facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bandits have also been terrorizing five local governments in the Kogi West senatorial district, which shares boundaries with Ondo State. These areas include Lokoja, Kabba/Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, and Ijumu, where violence and destruction have become commonplace. Policemen, vigilantes, traditional rulers, and several citizens have been victims of ambushes in these regions.
An anonymous source told that intelligence agencies are aware of the planned attacks and that the DSS has issued a letter to the military, prompting them to prepare for the threat. “Yes, security agencies are leaving no stone unturned regarding the matter,” the source said, adding that ISWAP’s plans on communities in both Ondo and Kogi states are known to the security agents already. Another source mentioned ongoing efforts to dismantle the terrorists’ cells in the general areas of the two states, indicating that arrests will soon be made in connection with the imminent attack.
DSS Alert and Targeted Communities
In a memo addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” and called for heightened surveillance and security deployment across vulnerable areas. The document, titled: ‘Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP,’ was signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the Ondo State Director of the Department of State Services. It 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 emphasized the need to scale up the level of security alertness in various communities to prevent any untoward situation. It also highlighted that intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon. The group has commenced surveillance on potential soft targets in the above-mentioned locations.
Previous Attacks in Kogi
In addition to the Owo attack in 2022, several other attacks have been carried out recently by gunmen suspected to be terrorists. On September 10, 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 September 21, 2025, in a separate attack.
At the height of their attacks, on May 15, 2025, bandits abducted a traditional ruler, Obalohun of Ofoloke community, in Yagba West, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemoye. 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.
Calls for Action and Community Engagement
Meanwhile, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owo in Ondo State, Dr Stephen Fagbemi, called on the government and security agencies to identify those who provide support for the attackers. He urged residents to remain vigilant but not fearful. Fagbemi emphasized the importance of prayer and support for government agencies, stating that they are working to protect the people.
Another youth leader in Yagba East Local Government, Joshua David, lamented the lack of necessary capacity in weapons and logistics among security operatives to confront invading bandits. He argued that with better resources and encouragement, security forces could effectively combat organized attackers.
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. The meeting focused solely on the security threats. According to the command’s spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade, the interactive session strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the police and the community, urging attendees to provide information that could aid police operations.
Government Allays Residents’ Fears
Ondo and Kogi state governments have allayed fears of residents over the security alert. The Ondo State government confirmed the memo, stating steps have been taken to prevent the breakdown of law and order. The statement emphasized the need for cooperation between the government and security agencies to maintain vigilance and effectively respond to any possible threat.
Kogi State Government urged its residents not to panic but to remain calm and vigilant. Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi Commissioner for Information, described the possession of the intelligence report as a “step toward victory.” He commended the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed.
