The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert following intelligence indicating that terrorist groups are mobilising for possible coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps and other soft targets across the country.
The warning was contained in a wireless message dated September 13, 2026, from the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The message, referenced CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, was marked “Security General” and “Treat as Very Important.” It was circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1 to 17, Commissioners of Police in all states, Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism formations and other specialised commands.
According to the intelligence available to the police, there has been an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” targeting places of worship, educational institutions, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
The Force further noted that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and their local collaborators were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
Particular concern was expressed about schools, with the police warning that terrorists could exploit the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session and the concentration of students and staff to cause mass casualties. The alert also highlighted the reported movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
The police directed all commands to heighten security around the identified locations, intensify patrols, conduct stop-and-search operations and strengthen border checks. Commanders were instructed to collaborate closely with other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and the National Youth Service Corps management to improve information sharing and establish effective early-warning mechanisms. Any credible threats are to be reported promptly.
The development follows similar intelligence earlier shared by the Nigerian Army. A military memo dated September 9, 2026, had also warned of possible coordinated attacks on Catholic and Protestant churches, primary and secondary schools, NYSC orientation camps and other sites in the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West, with fighters allegedly moving towards Plateau State.
Security analysts and officials have linked the heightened alerts to broader concerns about instability ahead of the 2027 general elections, with terrorists potentially seeking to sow fear and disrupt communities.
Authorities have urged members of the public, school administrators, religious leaders and NYSC officials to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies, and cooperate fully with ongoing security measures. The Nigeria Police Force stated that the situation is being monitored closely and that proactive steps are being taken to prevent any attacks.
Further updates are expected as security agencies intensify operations in response to the intelligence.
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