Security forces foil ISWAP’s attempt to establish base in Oyo

In a major security breakthrough, operatives have thwarted a plot by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) to set up a strategic base in Oyo State aimed at coordinating terrorist activities across the South-Western states of Oyo, Osun, and Kwara.

The foiled plan was uncovered as ISWAP militants, fleeing the conflict zones in Borno State, attempted to consolidate their forces in the region.

Sources revealed that fleeing insurgents had made contact with a known ISWAP member operating around the Oke-Ogun axis in northern Oyo State.

This individual, already linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area, was reportedly scouting locations for a new base to launch operations in Oyo, Osun, and Kwara.

The group’s plans began to unravel when security agents intercepted a meeting between the insurgents in Osun State, leading to a series of arrests.

The plot, initially aimed at setting up a stronghold in Afijio local government area of Oyo, was disrupted after authorities received critical intelligence.

However, it is believed that the mastermind of the operation managed to evade capture and fled to the Old Oyo National Park.

This area, known for its proximity to the Kamoko Forest, which stretches across Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, and Oyo States, is seen as a key route for insurgents seeking to infiltrate the South-West.

Security personnel in Oyo and Osun States were quick to act, resulting in the seizure of several AK-47 rifles and the apprehension of numerous militants. Authorities are continuing their efforts to track down and neutralize the remaining insurgents involved in the plot.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the developments on Monday, revealing that the insurgents had intended to establish a camp near Fashola Farms in Oyo.

However, security forces swiftly blocked the site, preventing further escalation. According to sources, the area in question was located just five kilometers from the farms, and efforts to establish a base in the region have now been halted.

Intelligence sources revealed to the Nigerian Tribune that the site initially identified by terrorists as a potential base—located about five kilometers from Fashola Farms in Oyo State—has been successfully blocked by security forces, preventing the establishment of a militant stronghold.

Terrorist groups, particularly those linked to the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), had been utilizing the Kamoko Forest route, which stretches from Kaduna, through Niger, Kwara, and connects to Oyo State via the Old Oyo National Park.

This forested corridor was being used by insurgents to move deeper into the South-West, with plans to set up operations in the region.

Security forces quickly acted on intelligence about the terrorists’ intentions, launching an intensive pursuit that led to multiple arrests. A source close to the operation revealed, “The terrorists were actively working to establish a base in the South-West, but once we received intel, we moved swiftly, and efforts are ongoing to dismantle their plot.”

Further sources confirmed that an ISWAP linkman operating in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State had been scouting potential sites for the group’s planned meeting and coordination.

However, security forces successfully intercepted and disrupted these plans, scattering the insurgents and forcing them to abandon their efforts to set up a base in the region.

Read Also: Troops kill 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in fierce Borno clash

In response to the foiled plot, security agencies in the North-West states of Kaduna, the North-Central states of Niger and Kwara, as well as the South-Western states of Oyo, Osun, and Ogun, have been placed on high alert to prevent any further attempts by terrorists to infiltrate and establish a camp in the region.

In a separate security incident, a traditional worshiper in Iseyin, Oyo State, was arrested for attempting to incite religious discord. Sources revealed that the man had been making inflammatory statements about the Holy Quran and planned to target the Holy Bible in a bid to provoke religious conflicts in the region.

Although the man fled to Lekki, Lagos State, security agencies in Oyo and Ogun States worked diligently to track him down, ensuring that his attempts to spark unrest were thwarted.