DSS Alerts Osun Religious Leaders Over Alleged Terrorist Attack Plans
The Department of State Services has alerted Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun State to an alleged plan by terrorists to attack places of worship, markets and other public gathering centres as part of efforts to frustrate the 2027 general elections.
The warning was reportedly conveyed during separate meetings between the DSS and representatives of the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria in Osogbo on Wednesday.
At the meetings, the religious leaders were advised to strengthen security measures and remain vigilant in and around their places of worship and other facilities where large numbers of people gather.
The development followed an alleged intelligence report indicating plans by terrorists to extend their activities to the southern part of the country, particularly the South-West, in an attempt to create insecurity and tension ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Confirming the meeting, the President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, said the security alert was genuine and that religious leaders had been advised to take precautionary measures.
Olawuyi said the DSS had outlined several proactive steps that should be taken to prevent possible attacks.
He said, “The meeting is true; it was held on Wednesday in Osogbo. We need to be careful and vigilant. These people have been trying to infiltrate Osun for quite some time.
“We had, some time ago, sent back some herders, numbering about 200, who flooded Osun from the Ikirun axis. There were also some individuals who came into the state on motorcycles. They didn’t understand our language and we had to send them back. The DSS is doing a very good job in terms of intelligence and alerting the people.”
In an audio message circulated to imams across the state, Olawuyi said DSS officials who attended the meeting had warned of an alleged plan involving terrorists and some politicians to create conditions that could disrupt the 2027 elections or discourage voters from participating.
According to him, the religious leaders were advised to be particularly vigilant during Jumat prayers and other gatherings.
He said religious centres were advised against allowing vehicles to park close to congregations without proper checks, while people were also warned against allowing strangers to sleep within mosque premises.
The Muslim leaders were further advised to be cautious about unfamiliar commercial motorcycle operators and herders, while mosque authorities were encouraged to engage night guards to strengthen security.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Osun State chapter of CAN, Pastor John Adeleke, confirmed that the Christian body also met with DSS officials.
Adeleke said the security agency urged church leaders to strengthen security arrangements and extend the warning to school owners and operators of other facilities that regularly host large gatherings.
According to a report circulated among some Christian groups in the state, the DSS allegedly informed CAN leaders that certain locations in Osun had been identified as potential targets.
The report listed churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs and viewing centres among places where people could potentially gather in large numbers.
Adeleke said church leaders were advised not to allow unfamiliar vehicles to park close to church premises because of the possibility that such vehicles could be used to conceal explosives.
He also urged religious leaders to properly screen unfamiliar visitors and ask questions before allowing them access to church premises.
The CAN chairman said the DSS further advised churches to exercise caution over night programmes, particularly because darkness could potentially provide cover for criminals.
He said the warning had subsequently been circulated through CAN’s various blocs and platforms across the state to ensure that members were adequately informed.
Adeleke added that the government was also aware of the security concerns, urging residents not to panic but to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
He said, “The message is that our people should be security-conscious. If they see anything, they should say it. They also told us to inform school owners to be security-conscious. The government is aware too.”
The religious leaders urged worshippers, school authorities, market operators and other members of the public to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious persons, movements or objects.
The alleged security alert comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with security agencies expected to continue monitoring potential threats across the country.
Source: Punch