THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a nationwide security alert, following credible intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on places of worship, learning institutions, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps and other vulnerable targets across the country.
The warning, contained in a Police wireless message, dated September 13, with reference, CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, issued by the Force Department of Operations (NIGPOL DOPS), Abuja, marked, ‘Security General,’ and tagged, ‘Treat as Very Important,’” and circulated to all Police formations, indicated an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
The alert identified the Northeast, Northwest, North Central and parts of the Southwest as areas of particular concern, noting that intelligence had revealed the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
The Force said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and local collaborators were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
It described the threat to learning institutions as particularly concerning, warning that attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session, as terrorists could seek to exploit the concentration of students and staff in schools to cause mass casualties.
SaharaReporters quoted the Police as saying such attacks could also be intended to occur ahead of next year’s general elections, raising concerns about possible attempts by terrorist elements to destabilise communities and create widespread fear before the polls.
The Force said the intelligence indicated a possible progression from “intent to preparatory activity,” which requires immediate and proactive security measures.
Consequently, the Department of Operations directed all affected formations and Commands to heighten security around places of worship, schools, NYSC camps and other vulnerable locations, and commanders to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around identified vulnerable locations.
All Commissioners of Police (CP) were also directed to tighten security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to forestall the infiltration and movement of armed elements.
The Force directed its commanders to work closely with other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and NYSC management to improve information sharing and establish effective early-warning mechanisms.
It also ordered that any identified security gaps be addressed immediately, adding: “All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels.”
The Force further directed that any credible threat or incident should be reported immediately to the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of Operations, and all Commands to ensure strict compliance with the directive and provide feedback on security measures put in place.
