Police Raise Nationwide Security Concerns Over Possible Attacks on Schools, Worship Centres

The Nigeria Police Force has raised a nationwide security alert following intelligence suggesting that terrorist elements may be preparing coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

The warning was issued in a September 13, 2026 wireless message from the Force Department of Operations in Abuja and circulated to police commands and specialised formations across the country.

The police said the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West were areas of particular concern, with intelligence indicating the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

The Force also said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and local collaborators were carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.

According to the intelligence assessment, educational institutions could face increased risks as the 2026/2027 academic session resumes, with terrorists potentially exploiting the presence of large numbers of students and staff to cause mass casualties.

The police further linked the reported threat to concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying terrorist groups could seek to destabilise communities and create fear before the polls.

The Department of Operations assessed the development as a possible shift from “intent to preparatory activity,” prompting a directive for affected commands to strengthen preventive security measures.

Police authorities directed commanders to increase intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around identified vulnerable locations.

Commissioners of Police were also instructed to strengthen security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent the movement and infiltration of armed elements.

The Force called for closer cooperation between police commands, other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and the National Youth Service Corps to improve information sharing and establish effective early-warning systems.

It also directed commanders to identify and immediately address existing security gaps.

According to the alert, there was an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

“All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels,” the police said.

The commands were further directed to immediately report credible threats or security incidents to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations, while providing feedback on measures taken to strengthen security.

Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.