•Strategic security measures reinforced, surveillance intensified —Kogi
•We are in constant contact with security agencies —Ondo
Kogi and Ondo state governments, on Wednesday, moved to douse tension following intelligence by the Department of State Service (DSS) on the likely attacks by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the two states.
While the Kogi state government said it is collaborating with security agencies to stave off such attacks, Ondo disclosed that it is taking several steps to protect residents, especially those in border communities.
Recalled that the DSS in a memo signed by H. I. Kana, Director of Security, DSS Ondo State Command, had listed Eriti Akoko and Oyin Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town in Owo Local Government Area, as potential targets of ISWAP attacks.
The secret service also warned that the terrorists had commenced surveillance on soft targets in the affected areas and urged the military to heighten security operations to prevent loss of lives and property.
“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon. The level of security alertness across the identified communities should be immediately scaled up,” the memo stated.
Apparently conscious of the ripple effects of the security alert, the Kogi called on residents of the State to remain calm and vigilant, stressing that it is working closely with the DSS, the Army, Police, and other relevant security formations to forestall any form of security breach.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Honourable Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government described the intelligence report as a step towards victory, as it demonstrates the proactive work of the DSS and other security agencies in protecting Nigerians from criminal elements.
“The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities. We commend the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed,” the commissioner stated.
He reassured citizens that the government is working closely with the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Police, and other relevant security formations to guarantee the security of lives or property.
“His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has made security of lives and property a top priority of his administration. Strategic security measures have been reinforced across the State, and surveillance has been intensified, especially around border communities,” Fanwo added.
He urged residents to go about their normal businesses without fear but to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security agency.
“The Government will protect the people at all costs. We will not allow criminals or terror groups to disrupt the peace and progress we have built. Kogi remains one of the safest states in Nigeria, and we intend to keep it that way,” the commissioner stated.
Similarly, the commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, allayed fears among residents of the state, following the DSS intelligence alert on a possible ISWAP attack on parts of the state.
Ajanaku urged all residents in the state to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency, stressing that every measure is being taken to prevent any attack in state.
According to the commissioner, the government was aware of the recent security alert memo of the State Security Service 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.
He explained that such memos are part of regular intelligence-sharing procedures among security agencies and do not automatically translate to imminent threats.
Ajanaku said: “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 commissioner added that intelligence reports usually contain varying levels of threat assessment and are used to coordinate joint operations that enhance vigilance and proactive measures.
He assured the public that the situation was under control as “these reports are being acted upon by the government and relevant security agencies, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and security.”
He added: “The emphasis remains on maintaining vigilance and cooperation between security agencies and the government to prevent and respond to any potential threats. We want to reassure residents that every measure is being taken to prevent any attack in Ondo State.”
“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 Ondo State government, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is in constant contact with security agencies and is taking several steps to protect residents, especially those in border communities, so that Ondo State can remain as one of the safest States in the country.
Ajanaku appealed to the residents to remain calm, go about their normal daily activities, refrain from taking laws into their hands, cooperate with security agencies and provide any information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the State.
He noted that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains in constant contact with security agencies, particularly in border communities, to ensure Ondo maintains its reputation as one of the safest states in the country.
Ajanaku appealed to residents to remain calm, go about their normal activities, and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
“We urge everyone to refrain from taking laws into their hands but to cooperate with security agencies and provide useful information that may help prevent any threat in any part of the state,” he said.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune