By Mary Onyia
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert over intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations. The alert, contained in a September 13 communication from the Force Department of Operations, directed police formations nationwide to heighten surveillance amid concerns that the attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to the police, intelligence also indicated the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected ISWAP operatives and local collaborators were allegedly conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets. The Force reportedly described the situation as an increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks and directed commanders to intensify intelligence-led operations around identified vulnerable sites.
The police ordered Commissioners of Police and other commanders to strengthen patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements, while tightening security at state borders, entry and exit routes. Personnel were also directed to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels, with security agencies urged to work closely with school authorities, religious leaders and NYSC officials.
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that it is monitoring the situation, with Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, saying, ” We are monitoring the situation.” The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, meanwhile, said it had strengthened its intelligence network around schools, with its spokesperson, Babafemi Afolabi, stating that intelligence-driven operations had thwarted more than 100 attempted attacks on schools.