The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert over intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations across the country.
The warning was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, issued by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The message, referenced CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, was marked “Security General” and tagged “Treat as Very Important.”
It was circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1 to 17, Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism formations and other specialised units, as well as Commissioners of Police across the states.
The directive was also copied to several departments and formations at Force Headquarters, including Intelligence, Finance and Administration, Training and Development, the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Research and Planning, ICT and the Force Security Department.
According to the communication, intelligence available to the Department of Operations 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 North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas of particular concern.
The police further disclosed that intelligence had indicated 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 their local collaborators were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
The police described the threat to learning institutions as particularly concerning, warning that attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to the alert, terrorists could seek to exploit the concentration of students and staff in schools to cause mass casualties.
The police also raised concerns that attacks could be planned ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially as part of efforts by terrorist elements to destabilise communities and create widespread fear before the polls.
The Department of Operations assessed the intelligence as a possible progression from “intent to preparatory activity”, stressing the need for immediate and proactive security measures.
Consequently, all affected commands and formations were directed to heighten security around places of worship, schools, NYSC camps and other vulnerable locations.
Commanders were ordered to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around identified vulnerable areas.
Commissioners of Police were also directed to tighten security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent the infiltration and movement of armed elements.
The Force further directed commanders to strengthen collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and the management of the National Youth Service Corps.
The collaboration is expected to improve information sharing and establish effective early-warning mechanisms for potential threats.
The police also ordered that all identified security gaps be addressed immediately.
“All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels,” the message stated.
The Force directed that any credible threat or security incident should be reported immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations.
The commands were also ordered to ensure strict compliance with the directive and provide feedback on security measures implemented in response to the alert.
