Police Alert: Terrorists May Attack Schools, Worship Centres, NYSC Camps

The Nigeria Police Force has raised a nationwide security alert over intelligence indicating that terrorist groups may be planning coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations across the country.

The warning was contained in a September 13, 2026 wireless message issued by the Force Department of Operations, Abuja, and circulated to police commands and specialised formations nationwide.

The police identified the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas of particular concern, following intelligence reports on the movement of suspected armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

The Force also reported that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and their local collaborators were allegedly conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.

According to the security assessment, educational institutions could face heightened risks as the 2026/2027 academic session resumes, with terrorists potentially exploiting the presence of large numbers of students and staff to cause casualties.

The police further expressed concern that the reported activities could be linked to efforts to destabilise communities ahead of the 2027 general elections by creating fear and insecurity.

The Department of Operations reportedly assessed the situation as a possible transition from terrorist “intent to preparatory activity”, prompting directives for affected commands to strengthen preventive security measures.

Consequently, police commanders were ordered to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around identified vulnerable locations.

Commissioners of Police were also directed to strengthen security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent the movement and infiltration of armed elements.

The Force equally called for increased collaboration among police commands, other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and the National Youth Service Corps to enhance information sharing and establish effective early-warning mechanisms.

Commanders were further instructed to identify existing security gaps and take immediate steps to address them.

The police alert specifically cited an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

The Force urged personnel to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels.

It also directed police commands to immediately report credible threats and security incidents to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations, while providing feedback on measures being implemented to strengthen security.