The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a nationwide security alert over intelligence suggesting that terrorist groups may be planning coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
The alert was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, issued by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The communication, marked “Security General” and classified as “Treat as Very Important,” was circulated to police formations across the country, including the 17 zonal commands, state commands, Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism formations and other specialised units.
According to the police, available intelligence indicates an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” on educational institutions, religious centres, NYSC camps and other vulnerable sites.
The Force identified the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, as well as parts of the South-West, as areas requiring heightened vigilance.
The police also disclosed intelligence concerning the movement of armed individuals from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
It further reported that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and their local collaborators were allegedly conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
Of particular concern to the police is the possibility of attacks on schools following the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Force warned that terrorists could exploit the increased presence of students and staff in schools to carry out attacks and cause mass casualties.
The intelligence assessment also indicated that some attacks could be planned ahead of the 2027 general elections in an attempt to create fear, disrupt communities and undermine stability before the polls.
The Department of Operations reportedly assessed the situation as having potentially moved from “intent to preparatory activity,” prompting the directive for immediate preventive action.
Consequently, police formations nationwide were ordered to strengthen security around schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other identified vulnerable locations.
Commanders were directed to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response measures.
The police also instructed state commands to strengthen security along borders, entry and exit routes and other strategic corridors to prevent the movement of suspected armed groups.
The Force called for closer cooperation between the police and other security and intelligence agencies, as well as religious leaders, school authorities and NYSC management.
The directive further emphasised the need to strengthen information-sharing and early-warning mechanisms while addressing identified security gaps without delay.
The police urged personnel to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
“All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels,” the Force stated.
The police also directed that credible threats and security incidents be reported immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations.
