Tension As Police Warn Of Possible Coordinated Attacks On Schools, Worship Centres, NYSC Camps

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert following intelligence indicating that terrorist groups may be mobilising to carry out coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, National Youth Service Corps orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the alert was contained in a wireless communication dated September 13, 2026, issued by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The message was circulated to senior police officers across the country, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing various zones, Commissioners of Police, Mobile Police formations, counter-terrorism units and other specialised commands.

The police said intelligence available to its Department of Operations pointed to increased mobilisation of terrorist elements and possible armed movements, particularly along routes linking Katsina, Kaduna and Plateau states.

The security assessment identified the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, as well as some parts of the South-West, as areas requiring heightened vigilance. The Force also expressed concern over alleged surveillance and reconnaissance activities by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province operatives and their local collaborators around potential targets.

Schools were identified as a particular concern because of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session, which would result in a larger concentration of students and staff and could potentially expose them to attacks if adequate security measures were not put in place.

The police further warned that terrorists could attempt to exploit the security situation ahead of the 2027 general elections to create fear, disrupt communities and cause instability before the polls.

The Department of Operations reportedly assessed the intelligence as showing a possible progression from terrorist intent to preparatory activities, prompting the Force to direct immediate preventive measures across the country.

Police formations nationwide were subsequently ordered to strengthen security around schools, worship centres, NYSC orientation camps and other locations considered vulnerable to attacks. Commanders were also directed to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements.

Commissioners of Police were instructed to reinforce security along state borders, major entry and exit routes and strategic corridors in an effort to prevent the movement of suspected armed groups.

The Force also directed police commands to work closely with other security and intelligence agencies, religious leaders, school authorities and NYSC management to improve information sharing and strengthen early-warning mechanisms. Any identified security gaps are expected to be addressed promptly.

The police urged personnel and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals, vehicles, movements or objects through established security channels.

The Force further directed that credible threats and security incidents be communicated immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations as authorities continue to monitor the situation.