DSS warns Osun religious leaders of terrorist plot targeting worship centres, markets ahead of 2027 polls

The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun State to an alleged terrorist plan to attack places of worship and other public gathering spots as part of efforts to disrupt the 2027 general elections, according to a report by The Punch.

The DSS reportedly held separate meetings with the Osun State Muslim Community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osogbo on September 9, warning that intelligence showed terrorists plotting to route through Kaduna and Jos before reaching Osun, with targets including churches, mosques, markets, schools and clubs, the report said.

President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, confirmed the meeting, telling The Punch that the group had previously sent back roughly 200 unfamiliar herders and unidentified individuals on motorcycles who had entered the state via Ikirun. He said the DSS advised against allowing vehicles to park near worshippers during prayers, warned against anyone sleeping in mosques, and recommended night guards at every mosque.

Osun CAN Chairman, Pastor John Adeleke, also confirmed the briefing, saying churches were told to avoid unfamiliar vehicles near their premises due to explosive risks, question visitors before entry, avoid night programmes, and alert school owners to heightened security concerns, according to the report.