The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly placed commands and formations across the country on heightened alert following intelligence indicating possible coordinated attacks by terrorist groups on places of worship, schools, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
The security alert was contained in a wireless message dated September 13, 2026, issued by the Force Department of Operations in Abuja and reportedly circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in Zones 1 to 17 as well as Commissioners of Police across the states.
The message, marked “Security General” and classified “Treat as Very Important,” reportedly warned of increased mobilisation by terrorist elements and possible plans to attack religious centres, educational institutions, NYSC camps and other locations where large numbers of people gather.
According to the report, parts of the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-West were identified as areas requiring particular attention.
The intelligence also reportedly indicated the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters and local collaborators were said to be carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance of possible targets.
The alert comes as schools across the country resume for a new academic session, raising concerns that armed groups could attempt to exploit the return of large numbers of students, teachers and other staff to carry out mass-casualty attacks.
Police authorities were said to have assessed the threat as potentially moving beyond mere intent to preparatory activity and consequently directed formations to take immediate preventive measures.
Commands were instructed to increase surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response capabilities around schools, worship centres, NYSC camps and other vulnerable facilities.
Commissioners of Police were also reportedly directed to strengthen security at state borders, major entry and exit points and routes that could potentially be used by armed groups to move between locations.
The directive further called for closer collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and NYSC officials to strengthen intelligence sharing and early-warning mechanisms.
Police personnel were equally instructed to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements and objects through established security channels.
Commands were also directed to immediately escalate credible threats or security incidents to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations.
The reported alert comes amid continuing security challenges across the country, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and attacks on schools and other civilian targets.