How Security Forces Disrupt ISWAP’s Attempt to Set Up Camps in Oyo
Security agencies have successfully thwarted a plan by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) to establish a base in Oyo State, which would have served as a strategic hub for coordinating operations across Oyo, Osun, and Kwara States.
According to sources familiar with the situation, ISWAP militants fleeing from Maiduguri, Borno State, made contact with one of their operatives based in the Oke-Ogun region of northern Oyo State. This operative was tasked with identifying potential locations to set up a base for organizing activities in the aforementioned states.
It was reported that the ISWAP affiliate, who had been involved in various criminal activities, including kidnappings in the Oke-Ogun area, had begun laying the groundwork for establishing the camp in the Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State.
However, security forces caught wind of the plan after the operative held a meeting with fellow gang members in Osun State, leading to the arrest of several individuals. The Oke-Ogun-based linkman managed to evade capture and fled to the Old Oyo National Park, an area that connects the Kamoko Forest, which stretches across Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, and Oyo States.
Following the arrests, security forces recovered numerous AK-47 rifles and intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects, including the linkman who had been staying in Ago Are town in Oyo State.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that insurgents attempting to set up camps near Fashola Farms had been disrupted by security forces. The location, which was initially considered a potential site for the base, is situated about five kilometers from Fashola Farms. Security agents were quick to act, blocking the plot.
A source explained that the terrorists were relying on the Kamoko Forest route to infiltrate the southwest region, linking Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, and Oyo States through the Old Oyo National Park. Once security agencies became aware of the threat, a concerted pursuit was launched, resulting in several arrests. Authorities are actively working to dismantle the terrorist network and prevent any further plans from materializing.
Additionally, reports indicate that security agents in Oyo State have arrested a traditional worshiper from Iseyin for attempting to sow religious discord. The individual had reportedly been making contentious claims about the Quran and planned to similarly target the Bible, aiming to provoke tension between different religious groups. Although the man initially fled to Lekki, Lagos, security forces in Oyo and Ogun States collaborated to ensure his eventual capture.
