The DSS has warned Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun of an alleged terrorist plan to attack worship centres and public gathering places ahead of the 2027 election.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun State to an alleged plan by terrorists to attack places of worship and other public gathering centres ahead of the 2027 general election.
The warning was issued during separate meetings the agency held with the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osogbo on Wednesday.
The development followed an intelligence report indicating that terrorists were allegedly planning to extend their activities to the southern part of the country, particularly the South-West, to create tension in the build-up to the presidential election.
What the DSS Told Muslim Leaders
Mustapha Olawuyi, president of the Osun State Muslim Community (OSMC), confirmed the meeting on Friday, adding that religious leaders had been advised to take preventive measures. Olawuyi said the DSS had also warned Muslim leaders about the possible infiltration of the state by suspicious individuals.
“The meeting is true; it was held on Wednesday in Osogbo. We need to be careful and vigilant. These people (terrorists) have been trying to infiltrate Osun for quite some time,” Olawuyi told PUNCH.
“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 sent to imams across the state, Olawuyi said the DSS briefed them on a plot involving politicians and terrorists to frustrate the 2027 elections.
“The DSS came from Abuja to Osun to warn us about a plot by some politicians and terrorists to frustrate the 2027 election, and for every one of us to be careful,” he said, adding that officers had intelligence suggesting terrorists would mobilise toward the South-West specifically to cause mayhem, disrupt the election, or discourage voter turnout.
Olawuyi said the agency advised religious centres to tighten security, including preventing vehicles from parking close to congregations during Jumat prayers and other gatherings. Muslim leaders were also advised against allowing people to sleep in mosques and were urged to keep night guards at worship centres and remain cautious of unfamiliar commercial motorcycle operators and herders.
What the DSS Told Christian Leaders
Similarly, John Adeleke, Osun CAN chairman, confirmed that Christian leaders also met with the DSS and were advised to strengthen security at churches, schools and other places where large numbers of people gather.
A report of the meeting circulated among Christian groups said the DSS had intelligence that terrorists had mapped out Osun State and planned to attack gathering centres, including churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs and viewing centres. According to the report, the attackers were allegedly planning to move through Kaduna and Jos before reaching Osun.
Adeleke said church leaders were advised to discourage night programmes and sensitise members to remain vigilant.
“For example, they told us we should not allow a strange vehicle to park near churches because there may be explosives inside the car. They also told our leaders throughout the state that they should be careful, and any visitor that comes around should be questioned before we allow him or her into the premises of the church,” 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.”
Context
Neither religious leader disclosed the specific source or scope of the DSS’s intelligence, and the agency has not issued a public statement independently confirming the details of the briefings. The advisories come as security agencies across Nigeria have stepped up warnings in the lead-up to the 2027 general election, with authorities citing efforts by armed groups to exploit large public gatherings.
