Police Issue Nationwide Security Alert Over Terrorists’ Fresh Attack Plans

The Nigeria Police Force has ordered a nationwide tightening of security following intelligence indicating that terrorists may be preparing coordinated attacks on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

The warning was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, obtained by SaharaReporters.

The message, with reference number CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, was issued by the Department of Operations of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.

Marked “Security General” and tagged “Treat as Very Important,” the directive was circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1 to 17, Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism formations and other specialised units, as well as Commissioners of Police across the 36 states.

Several departments and formations at Force Headquarters were also copied, including Intelligence, Finance and Administration, the Directorate of Training and Development, the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Research and Planning, ICT and the Force Security Department.

According to the communication, intelligence available to the police indicates an “increased mobilization of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” on worship centers, learning institutions, NYSC camps and other vulnerable targets.

The North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West were identified as areas of particular concern.

The police also disclosed that intelligence had revealed the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

The Force said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and their local collaborators were also carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.

The threat to schools was described as particularly worrying, with the police warning that terrorists could take advantage of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.

According to the police, terrorists may exploit the presence of large numbers of students and staff in schools to cause mass casualties.

The Force further raised concerns that the attacks could be planned ahead of the 2027 general elections in an attempt to destabilize communities and create widespread fear before the polls.

The Department of Operations assessed the intelligence as a possible movement from “intent to preparatory activity,” stressing that the development required immediate and proactive security action.

As part of the response, police commands and formations were directed to increase security around places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

Commanders were ordered to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around locations considered vulnerable.

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

The police ordered commanders to work closely with other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) management.

The collaboration is expected to improve information sharing and strengthen early-warning systems across the country.

The Force also directed commanders to immediately identify and address security gaps around vulnerable locations.

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

The police further directed that any credible threat or security incident must be reported immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations.

All affected commands and formations were ordered to ensure strict compliance with the directive and submit feedback on the security measures put in place.