The Nigerian Army has rejected a circulating document alleging that terrorists are preparing to attack schools, churches, mosques, NYSC orientation camps and other public facilities across the country.
Army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the document did not originate from the military and should not be regarded as an authentic Army intelligence alert.
Anele described the document as “fake” and said its circulation appeared designed to create fear and tension among members of the public.
She, however, said the Army was not taking security threats lightly, adding that military commands had been directed to remain vigilant and prevent any successful attack on vulnerable facilities.
The development followed the circulation of an alleged memo addressed to formations and units of the 2 Division Nigerian Army, containing claims of possible coordinated attacks across several parts of Nigeria.
An officer attached to the division also expressed doubts about the authenticity of the document, saying a similar message had reached the General Officer Commanding the division.
“Even though I doubt the authenticity. My GOC said he got the same message before we left for Benin two days ago. That he has directed commands on it.
“I feel it is one of those text messages circulated to create palpable fear,” the officer said.
The disputed document claimed that intelligence had revealed increased mobilisation of fighters and resources by terrorist groups for possible attacks on vulnerable locations.
It mentioned the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas allegedly at risk, while identifying churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other public facilities as possible targets.
The document further alleged that Catholic and Protestant churches, primary and secondary schools and other locations with large gatherings had been identified for possible attacks.
It also claimed that armed fighters had moved from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, describing the alleged movement as part of intelligence that had heightened concern among security formations.
“Further intelligence revealed that suspected members of Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP) have commenced surveillance and reconnaissance activities against identified targets with support from their local collaborators,” the document stated.
Another claim in the document was that educational institutions could be targeted around the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session, with the alleged attackers seeking to exploit the presence of large numbers of students and staff.
It claimed such attacks could cause mass casualties and increase fear ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Army’s response came against the backdrop of a separate security warning reportedly issued by the Department of State Services to religious leaders in Osun State.
DSS officials reportedly met Muslim and Christian leaders in Osogbo and advised them to strengthen security around places where large numbers of people gather.
President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, confirmed the meeting and said the security agency had asked religious leaders to take precautions.
“The meeting is true; it was held on Wednesday in Osogbo. We need to be careful and vigilant. These people (terrorists) have been trying to infiltrate Osun for quite some time,” Olawuyi said.
According to him, the DSS warned mosque leaders to pay attention to suspicious vehicles, unfamiliar persons and activities around worship centres.
“The DSS came from Abuja to Osun to warn us about a plot by some politicians and terrorists to frustrate the 2027 election, and for every one of us to be careful,” he said.
Olawuyi said the advice was subsequently communicated to imams across the state.
Christian leaders were also reportedly briefed by the DSS. Osun State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor John Adeleke, said churches were advised to improve their security awareness and pay attention to unfamiliar visitors and vehicles.
A report circulated among Christian leaders alleged that terrorists had mapped Osun State as part of a wider plan to attack states before the 2027 presidential election.
The report claimed that the suspected attackers could move through Kaduna and Jos before heading towards Osun, with churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs and viewing centres identified as possible targets.
Adeleke said the information was shared with CAN blocs and other Christian groups so that religious leaders could take precautionary measures.
“After sharing with us that the churches will need to be careful and that we should encourage our churches also to be on alert, we sent the message to all our blocs and different platforms, where our people may be informed,” he said.
He added that church leaders were advised to be cautious about vehicles parked close to worship centres and to properly identify visitors before allowing them into church premises.
“They also said we should be careful of night programmes, so that the people will not take advantage of the darkness to perpetrate their evil plans. The message is that our people should be security-conscious. If they see anything, they should say it,” Adeleke said.