The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted religious leaders and residents of Osun State to plans by terrorists to attack churches, mosques, markets, schools and other public gathering centres in the state.

The security alert was issued during separate meetings between DSS officials and leaders of the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osogbo.

According to the security intelligence presented during the meetings, terrorists are planning to move from northern Nigeria into the South-West, with Osun State identified as one of the potential targets.

The planned attacks are aimed at creating fear, destabilising communities and discouraging citizens from participating in the 2027 general elections.

The President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, confirmed the meeting with the DSS and urged residents, particularly religious leaders, to remain vigilant.

Olawuyi said the security agency warned that terrorists were seeking to infiltrate the state and advised religious institutions to strengthen their security measures.

He said the information had been communicated to imams across the state, with instructions to prevent unknown vehicles from parking close to worship centres and to avoid allowing strangers to sleep within mosque premises.

The DSS also advised religious leaders to pay close attention to suspicious commercial motorcycle operators and unfamiliar persons around their places of worship.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Osun State chapter of CAN, Pastor John Adeleke, confirmed that Christian leaders had received the security briefing.

He said churches were advised to strengthen security around their premises, properly identify unfamiliar persons before granting them access and prevent unknown vehicles from parking near worship centres.

The security agency also warned that schools, clubs, viewing centres, markets and other locations where large numbers of people gather could be targeted.

Religious leaders were therefore urged to remain alert, especially during night programmes, and promptly report suspicious movements or persons to security agencies.

The development has heightened security concerns in Osun ahead of the 2027 general elections, with residents and community leaders urged to cooperate with security agencies to prevent attacks and maintain peace across the state.