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 elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that the warning was issued during separate meetings between DSS officials and representatives of the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Mustapha Olawuyi, president of the Osun State Muslim Community, confirmed the meeting and said religious leaders were advised to remain vigilant and take preventive security measures.
“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 said.
According to Olawuyi, the DSS told Muslim leaders that some politicians and terrorists were allegedly working on plans to frustrate the 2027 elections by creating insecurity and discouraging voter participation.
“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.
The Muslim leaders were reportedly advised to tighten security around mosques, including preventing vehicles from parking close to congregations during Jumat prayers and other gatherings. They were also advised against allowing people to sleep inside mosques and encouraged to provide night guards.
The DSS also reportedly warned about the possible infiltration of Osun by suspicious individuals.
Christian leaders received a similar briefing. John Adeleke, chairman of Osun CAN, confirmed that the DSS met with Christian leaders and advised churches, schools and other places where large numbers of people gather to strengthen their security measures.
A report circulated among Christian groups said the DSS had intelligence that terrorists had allegedly mapped Osun State and could target churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs and viewing centres before the 2027 presidential election. The report said the suspected attackers could move through Kaduna and Jos before reaching Osun.
Adeleke said churches were advised to be cautious about unfamiliar vehicles and visitors.
“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.
Church leaders were also urged to discourage night programmes where possible and educate worshippers on security awareness. School owners were similarly advised to review their security arrangements.
The DSS has not publicly released detailed information on the alleged intelligence or identified the specific terrorist groups behind the reported plot.
The warning comes as preparations and security concerns intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with authorities and civil society groups already calling for stronger measures to protect voters and electoral activities.
