The Ondo State government has officially addressed the circulation of a leaked intelligence memo from the Department of State Services (DSS) warning of possible terrorist attacks in parts of the state. The confidential document, dated October 20 2025 and addressed to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure, reportedly disclosed plans by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives to strike communities including Eriti‑Akoko, Oyin‑Akoko (Akoko North‑West LGA) and Owo town (Owo LGA).
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the government acknowledged awareness of the memo and described it as part of routine intelligence‑sharing among security agencies. He emphasised that such reports are standard‑operating‑procedure in threat‑assessment and preventive security work.
Ajanaku further assured the public that the intelligence contained in the leaked memo is being acted upon and that both the state government and relevant security agencies are taking the necessary precautions to protect lives and property. He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.
Under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the state is reported to be maintaining close coordination with military and security formations, with particular focus on border communities and other potentially vulnerable areas. The government said its twin goal is to ensure that Ondo remains among the safest states in the country.
Analysts note that the alarm‑raising memo by the DSS underscores concerns about ISWAP’s possible southern expansion, and follows a previous attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo in June 2022, where over forty worshippers were killed by suspected ISWAP‑linked gunmen.
Some of the men are already facing trial and analysts fear that leaked memo may not be unconnected reprisal attacks for the circumstances that led to their arrests and trial.
While the government urges calm, security‑watchers say the authenticity of leaks such as this one and the clarity of how intelligence is operationalised remain key to public confidence. The state’s residents have been urged to continue their normal lives but to avoid taking law into their own hands, and to assist security agencies with credible information.
Points to note:
• The leaked DSS memo reportedly flagged Eriti‑Akoko, Oyin‑Akoko and Owo town as potential ISWAP targets.
• The state government calls the document a “routine intelligence report” and not an immediate certainty of attack.
• Residents are advised to stay alert, report suspicious movements and cooperate fully with security agencies.
• No attack has been confirmed so far—security agencies say reinforcement is ongoing.
For the public:
If you notice unusual behaviour, strangers surveying infrastructure or unusual gatherings in distant communities, please contact the nearest police checkpoint, military formation or state security office immediately.
