The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by terrorists to attack public gathering places in Osun State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning was reportedly given during separate meetings between the DSS and leaders of the Muslim and Christian communities in Osogbo on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
According to the religious leaders, the DSS said intelligence available to the security agency suggested that terrorists may try to spread violence to the South-West in the period leading to the 2027 presidential election.
The alleged plan, according to information shared with the religious leaders, is aimed at creating fear, causing insecurity and possibly discouraging people from coming out to vote.
The DSS reportedly advised religious leaders across Osun to take the warning seriously and put stronger security measures in place.
Mosques Told to Watch Vehicles, Strangers
The President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, confirmed the meeting with the DSS.
He urged Muslims to remain vigilant and pay attention to suspicious movements around mosques and other public places.
Olawuyi said religious centres were advised not to allow vehicles to park close to worshippers during Jumat prayers or other large gatherings.
He also said mosque leaders were advised not to allow unknown persons to sleep inside mosques and to provide night security guards.
According to him, the DSS also warned against careless acceptance of unknown commercial motorcycle riders and strangers whose activities may raise suspicion.
Olawuyi said the security agency had been working to prevent the infiltration of Osun by suspected terrorists.
CAN Confirms Similar Warning
The Christian Association of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, also confirmed receiving a similar warning from the DSS.
The Osun CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr John Adeleke, said church leaders were advised to be security-conscious and to report anything suspicious to the appropriate authorities.
He said churches were warned against allowing unknown vehicles to park close to their premises because of the possibility that such vehicles could contain dangerous materials.
Church leaders were also advised to ask questions before allowing unknown visitors into their premises.
The DSS reportedly advised churches to be more careful with night programmes because criminals could take advantage of darkness.
Churches, Mosques, Markets, Schools Mentioned
A report circulated among some Christian leaders in Osun stated that the DSS had warned that terrorists had allegedly mapped some parts of the state.
The report mentioned churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs and viewing centres as places where many people gather and which could therefore require stronger security.
The document, titled “The Report of the Meeting Held with the Department of State Security Osun State Command Today, Wednesday, 9th September, 2026,” was signed by the State Assistant Secretary of Osun CAN, Ajayi J.K.
“See Something, Say Something”
Rev. Adeleke said the message from the DSS was not meant to create fear among residents but to encourage people to take security seriously.
He said CAN had shared the warning with its various groups and leaders across the state.
He also called on owners of schools and managers of other places where large numbers of people gather to improve their security arrangements.
The CAN chairman stressed the need for members of the public to report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to security agencies.
While religious leaders said they believe in divine protection, they also urged residents to take reasonable steps to protect themselves and others.
With the 2027 elections still ahead, security remains a major concern, and residents are being urged to remain calm, vigilant and ready to alert the authorities whenever they notice anything suspicious.
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