Security agencies have heightened surveillance around schools, NYSC orientation camps, places of worship and other vulnerable locations following intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to launch coordinated attacks across the country.
The Nigeria Police Force, in a security alert circulated to its formations nationwide, warned of planned attacks that could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to the police communication, intelligence available to the Department of Operations indicated an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
The communication was circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1–17, Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism and other specialised formations, as well as Commissioners of Police in all the states.
It was also copied to departments and formations at Force Headquarters, including Intelligence, Finance and Administration, the Directorate of Training and Development, the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Research and Planning, ICT and the Force Security Department.
According to the police, intelligence revealed the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
“There is an increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations,” it stated.
The Force also said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province operatives and local collaborators were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
The police described the threat to learning institutions as particularly concerning, warning that attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Department of Operations consequently directed affected formations and commands to heighten security around schools, places of worship, NYSC camps and other vulnerable locations.
“All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels,” it added.
Commanders were ordered to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, and access control and rapid-response arrangements around identified vulnerable locations.
Commissioners of Police were also directed to tighten security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent the infiltration and movement of armed elements.
The Defence Headquarters said it was monitoring the situation.
