The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert after intelligence indicated that terrorist elements may be preparing coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
The warning was sent in a September 13, 2026 wireless message from the Force Department of Operations in Abuja and circulated to police commands and specialised formations across the country.
Security alert: areas of concern and police directives
The Force identified the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas of particular concern, and reported intelligence of armed elements moving from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State. It said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and local collaborators were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
The intelligence assessment warned that educational institutions could face increased risks as the 2026/2027 academic session resumes, with terrorists potentially exploiting the presence of large numbers of students and staff to cause mass casualties. The police also linked the reported threat to worries ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying groups could seek to destabilise communities and create fear before the polls.
The Department of Operations described the development as a possible shift from “intent to preparatory activity,” and directed affected commands to strengthen preventive security measures. Commanders were ordered to increase intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around identified vulnerable locations.
Commissioners of Police were instructed to bolster security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent movement and infiltration of armed elements. The Force called for closer cooperation between police commands, other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and the National Youth Service Corps to improve information sharing and establish effective early-warning systems.
Commanders were directed to identify and immediately address existing security gaps. The police urged all personnel to maintain heightened vigilance and to report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels. Commands must immediately report credible threats or security incidents to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations and provide feedback on measures taken to strengthen security.
Ademide Adebayo
