The Department of State Services, DSS, has warned religious leaders in Osun State of an alleged plot by terrorists to attack churches, mosques, markets and other public gathering centres as part of a plan to destabilise the South-West and frustrate the 2027 general elections.
The DSS held separate security briefings on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with the Osun State Muslim Community and the Christian Association of Nigeria in Osogbo, where intelligence on the planned attacks was shared.
An audio message sent to imams across the state, President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, said: “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.
“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.”
A report of the meeting with CAN, signed by Osun CAN Assistant Secretary Ajayi J.K., also stated: “They made it known… that the attackers or the terrorists have mapped Osun State, and that between now and the period of the coming presidential election, they will attack some states.”
The DSS outlined specific preventive measures:
—For Mosques—
– No vehicles should be allowed to park close to congregations during Jumat prayers
– Ban sleeping in mosques
– Be wary of “compromised” commercial motorcyclists and herders
– Deploy night guards at every mosque
—For Churches—
– Do not allow strange vehicles to park near church premises due to risk of explosives
– Question visitors before allowing them on church premises
– Be cautious with night programmes so criminals don’t take advantage of darkness
– Extend alert to schools, markets, clubs and viewing centres
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Confirming the briefing, Osun CAN Chairman, Pastor John Adeleke, 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. God is our divine protector, but in areas where we need to be careful, we want to be.”
Olawuyi also confirmed previous infiltration attempts, saying: “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.”
The alert comes weeks after INEC released the final list of 18 presidential candidates for 2027, with campaigns expected to intensify.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that terrorists may shift operations to southern states to create panic and disrupt electoral processes. The DSS said places of large gathering — worship centres, markets and schools — are primary targets.
Both OSMC and CAN said they have cascaded the warnings to blocs, platforms and local leaders across Osun.
As of press time, the Osun State Government and Police Command said they were working with the DSS to tighten security around public spaces ahead of the election cycle.
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