ISWAP threat puts South West, North Central Nigeria on High Alert
Following the Department of State Services alert on Tuesday that there was a plot by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to attack Ondo and Kogi states, the states have activated surveillance and counter-terror measures against the alleged plot.
Kogi shares a boundary with 10 states, including Benue in the East, Anambra in the South, Enugu in the South-East, Edo in the South-West and Ondo in the West.
Others are Ekiti in the West, Kwara in the West, Niger in the North, Nasarawa in the North-East and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Concerned by the development, the state governors have called on the residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring that they have fortified the security system to thwart any attacks.
The Department of State Services had on Tuesday alerted the Nigerian Army to an alleged plot by ISWAP to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.
In a confidential letter addressed to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, the secret police warned of “imminent attacks” by ISWAP terrorists and urged heightened surveillance and security deployment across vulnerable areas.
The letter, signed by 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 include Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, the 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 read in part.
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“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 immediate action by the army and other relevant forces to prevent the attacks, stressing the importance of community vigilance.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development, saying the police were already acting on the intelligence.
“That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unawares,” Ayanlade said.
The alert comes more than three years after terrorists suspected to be ISWAP members attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on June 5, 2022, killing 41 worshippers and injuring dozens.
The suspects were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Speaking on the terror plot on Wednesday, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urged the residents of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or strangers in their communities to the security agencies.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, the government said it was aware of the security threat and had been taking necessary precautions to avert it.
The statement read, “The Government of Ondo State is aware of the recent security alert memo of the State Security Services addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure regarding a possible terrorist attack in some parts of the state, which got leaked to the media.
“The leaked memo is part of 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.
“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.
“The public can 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.
“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.”
The government explained it was in contact with the security agencies and taking several steps to protect residents, especially those in border communities, so Ondo could 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 law into their hands, cooperate with security agencies and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the state,” the statement concluded.
Despite the official assurances, scared residents in the communities under threat have appealed to the state government and the security agencies not to take the threat lightly.
