Security
DSS Raises Red Alert Over Alleged Terror Plot in Osun
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly raised concerns over alleged plans by terrorists to attack churches, mosques, markets and other crowded locations in Osun State as part of efforts to create instability in the South-West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to reports, the intelligence was shared on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during separate closed-door meetings with leaders of the Osun State Muslim Community (OSMC) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osogbo.
Security officials reportedly informed the religious leaders of alleged plans to target worship centres and public places, urging them to strengthen security measures, including the deployment of night guards, installation of CCTV cameras, vehicle checks and increased vigilance during religious activities.
A report by Sunday PUNCH stated that DSS officials from Abuja informed clerics that some terrorists might attempt to move southward through Kaduna and Jos into the South-West with the aim of creating tension and voter apathy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In an audio message circulated to imams across the state, President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, said the DSS warned of alleged plans by some politicians and terrorists to frustrate the 2027 elections.
“They said they had intelligence that the terrorists would mobilise to the southern part of the country and the South-West, especially to cause mayhem so that the election may not hold or cause apathy,” Olawuyi stated.
A report from the meeting with CAN, signed by Osun CAN Assistant Secretary, Ajayi J.K., also indicated that security officials informed participants that Osun State had allegedly been identified as one of the possible targets for attacks before the presidential election period.
The DSS reportedly advised mosques not to allow vehicles to park close to worshippers during Jumat prayers, discouraged sleeping in mosques, and urged vigilance regarding unfamiliar individuals, commercial motorcyclists and herders. The agency also recommended the deployment of night guards at worship centres.
For churches, the agency advised caution over strange vehicles parked near church premises, screening of visitors, and heightened security during night programmes. Schools, markets, clubs and viewing centres were also urged to strengthen security arrangements.
Confirming the meeting, Osun CAN Chairman, Pastor John Adeleke, said the message from security agencies was for residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities.
“The government is aware too. God is our divine protector, but in areas where we need to be careful, we want to be,” he said.
Olawuyi also referred to previous incidents involving groups of individuals who entered the state under suspicious circumstances, adding that the DSS had continued to provide timely intelligence and security alerts.
The security alert comes as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum following the release of the final list of presidential candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Both the OSMC and CAN said they had passed the warnings to their members and local leaders across the state, while the Osun State Government and the Police Command were said to be working with the DSS to strengthen security around public places ahead of the election period.