The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a nationwide security alert over intelligence suggesting that terrorist groups may be preparing coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

The warning was contained in a wireless communication issued by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on September 13, 2026.

The message, referenced as CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, was classified as “Security General” and marked “Treat as Very Important.”

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It was circulated to senior police formations, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police supervising Zones 1 to 17, Commissioners of Police across the states, Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism formations and other specialised commands.

According to the police, intelligence available to the Department of Operations indicated increased mobilisation of terrorist elements and the possibility of coordinated attacks against selected targets.

The areas identified as requiring heightened vigilance include parts of the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, as well as some locations in the South-West.

The police also reported the movement of armed individuals from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, describing the development as a matter requiring urgent security attention.

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The Force said intelligence also suggested that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and their local collaborators were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance around potential targets.

Schools were identified as a particular concern because of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session, which has increased the concentration of students, teachers and other members of the school community.

The police warned that terrorists could potentially exploit such gatherings if attacks were planned, with the possibility of causing significant casualties and widespread panic.

The intelligence assessment also raised concerns about possible attempts to carry out attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the police communication, such attacks could be aimed at creating fear, disrupting communities and contributing to instability ahead of the elections.

The Department of Operations assessed the reported developments as having potentially progressed from “intent to preparatory activity,” prompting the Force to direct commands to immediately strengthen preventive security measures.

Police formations across the country were consequently ordered to reinforce security around schools, worship centres, NYSC orientation camps and other locations considered vulnerable.

Commanders were directed to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and patrol operations while increasing stop-and-search activities and access-control measures where necessary.

The police also ordered enhanced rapid-response arrangements to ensure that security personnel can react quickly to credible threats or incidents.

Commissioners of Police were further instructed to strengthen security around state borders, entry and exit points and strategic transportation corridors.

The measures are intended to prevent the movement of armed individuals and improve the ability of security agencies to detect suspicious activities before they escalate.

The Force also called for closer cooperation between police commands and other security and intelligence agencies.

Religious leaders, school authorities and NYSC management were specifically identified as important partners in strengthening information sharing and developing effective early-warning mechanisms.

Police commanders were instructed to identify and address security gaps around vulnerable locations without delay.

The Force equally urged members of the public and security personnel to remain alert and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established security channels.

“All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels,” the police directive stated.

The communication further directed that credible threats and security incidents be reported immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations.

The latest alert underscores the importance of preventive security measures as authorities seek to protect schools, religious institutions, NYSC facilities and other public locations from possible terrorist attacks.

While the police have issued the warning based on intelligence available to them, members of the public have been encouraged to remain vigilant without creating unnecessary panic, and to provide security agencies with timely and credible information.