The Nigeria Police Force has warned of possible coordinated terrorist attacks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations across the country.
The alert, circulated to police formations nationwide, followed intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to the police, armed elements were reportedly moving from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected ISWAP operatives and their local collaborators were conducting surveillance of potential targets.
The Force consequently directed Commissioners of Police and other commanders to strengthen intelligence gathering, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response measures around vulnerable locations.
It also ordered tighter security at borders and major entry and exit routes to prevent the infiltration and movement of armed groups.
The Defence Headquarters said it was monitoring the situation, with the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, stating, “We are monitoring the situation.”
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also said it had strengthened its intelligence network around schools.
Its spokesperson, Babafemi Afolabi, said the Commandant-General had directed state commands to remain vigilant and work with other security agencies and communities.
Former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ali Amodu, and former DSS Director, Mike Ejiofor, urged Nigerians to take the warning seriously and report suspicious persons, vehicles and movements to security agencies.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the Uche Onyia-led faction of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Nabayi, said parents were worried about sending their children to school.
He called for stronger security around schools, including technology-based surveillance and renewed implementation of the Safe School Initiative.
