By Asaye Bankole
The Department of State Services has prompted the Nigerian Army to an alleged deadly plot by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
In a confidential missive channelled to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, and sighted by Newsmen, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” by ISWAP terrorists and urged heightened surveillance and security deployment across vulnerable areas.
The letter, endorsed by one H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, was titled “Imminent Attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP.”
According to the document, the targeted communities in Ondo State involve Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area.
“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,” the letter reads partially.
“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,” it added.
The security agency called for instant action by the army and other relevant forces to forestall the attacks, nailing the importance of vigilance in the community.
In addition,the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, affirmed the development, saying the police were already working on the intelligence.
“That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” Ayanlade stated.
The alert comes after three years that terrorists suspected to be ISWAP members fiercely attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022, murdering 41 worshippers and injuring dozens. The suspects were later arrested by the DSS and are facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
KoikiMedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep