morganabLE News / security & justice
The alert further disclosed that suspected operatives of the Islamic State West Africa Province, in collaboration with local accomplices, were actively conducting surveillance and reconnaissance on potential targets across multiple states.
KaNo —
Security agencies across Nigeria have stepped up surveillance and deployed additional personnel to schools, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps, places of worship and other vulnerable locations following intelligence reports of planned coordinated terrorist attacks.
The heightened alert, contained in an internal communication by the Nigeria Police Force, warned of an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements” across parts of the country, raising concerns about public safety as students resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to the police alert circulated to formations nationwide, intelligence gathered by the Department of Operations indicated that suspected terrorist groups were planning attacks targeting soft locations, including educational institutions and religious centres, where large numbers of people typically gather.
The communication was addressed to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zones 1 to 17, as well as commanders of Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism squads and other specialised formations. Commissioners of Police in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were also directed to immediately implement reinforced security measures.
Copies of the alert were equally sent to key departments at the Force Headquarters, including the Intelligence Bureau, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Directorate of Training and Development, Research and Planning, ICT, Finance and Administration, and the Force Security Department.
Armed Terrorists Migrate From North West To North Central
Part of the intelligence cited in the alert pointed to the movement of armed elements from Katsina State through Kaduna towards Plateau State, suggesting a possible convergence of operatives in the North-Central region.
“There is an increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations,” the police communication stated.
The alert further disclosed that suspected operatives of the Islamic State West Africa Province, in collaboration with local accomplices, were actively conducting surveillance and reconnaissance on potential targets across multiple states.
In response, the Department of Operations directed all police commands to heighten vigilance and intensify security presence around identified vulnerable locations.
Police Heighten Vigilance
Personnel were instructed to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements, individuals or objects through established communication channels.
“All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels,” the directive added.
Commanders were also ordered to intensify intelligence-led policing strategies, including increased patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control measures and rapid-response deployment in high-risk areas.
In addition, Commissioners of Police were tasked with tightening security along state borders, entry and exit routes, and other critical corridors to prevent the infiltration and movement of armed groups.
Reacting to the development, the Defence Headquarters confirmed it was closely monitoring the situation.
“We are monitoring the situation,” the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said in a brief response, without providing further operational details.
Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it had expanded its intelligence network across all state commands to strengthen the protection of schools and critical infrastructure.
NSCDC Foil Over 100 Attacks
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babafemi Afolabi, disclosed that intelligence-driven operations by the corps had already foiled over 100 attempted attacks on schools in recent months, underscoring the scale of threats facing educational institutions.
According to him, the Commandant-General had issued directives to all state commandants to reinforce surveillance and ensure operational readiness, particularly as schools resume nationwide.
“All tactical squads, officers and men of the Corps in different state commands have been adequately briefed. Now that schools have resumed, they have doubled their intelligence network, and we are confident that such attacks will be prevented,” Afolabi said.
He also sought to reassure parents and guardians who may be apprehensive about sending their children back to school, urging them not to panic but to cooperate with security agencies.
“I would advise parents to allow their wards to return to school. We have strengthened our collaboration with stakeholders, including community leaders, to ensure safety,” he added.
Afolabi emphasised that security remained a collective responsibility, calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities.
“This is the time for everyone to work together. When people notice anything unusual in their environment, they should quickly alert security agencies. Timely information can prevent attacks,” he said.
He further noted that the NSCDC was working closely with private security personnel nationwide to enhance grassroots intelligence gathering.
“We are collaborating not only with sister security agencies but also with private guards across the federation. They play a critical role, and we are training them to be more observant and proactive in reporting threats,” Afolabi said.
Security experts have also weighed in on the development, describing the alert as both timely and necessary.
He noted that such alerts often serve as a wake-up call for both security agencies and citizens to heighten vigilance.
“It is part of the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to gather intelligence and issue alerts. This ensures that citizens are not caught unawares and can take precautionary measures,” Amodu said.
He stressed that Nigerians must adopt a more proactive approach to security, warning against complacency.
“Over the years, we have taken security for granted. Now, there is a growing awareness that everyone must be cautious and alert. When such alerts are issued, people tend to become more vigilant, and that is a positive development,” he added.
Amodu urged residents to pay close attention to their surroundings and report unusual activities, especially around places of worship and public gatherings.
He also highlighted the importance of coordination among security agencies, including the police, military and intelligence services, in responding effectively to threats.
“Each agency has its role in intelligence gathering and response. Once such information is received, appropriate measures must be taken without delay,” he said.
He called on relevant authorities to treat the warning with utmost seriousness and act swiftly to forestall any potential attacks.
“If such intelligence is available, it should not be ignored. Preventive action is key to ensuring that people are not caught unawares,” Ejiofor said.
The latest security alert comes amid ongoing concerns over terrorism and banditry in parts of the country, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, where armed groups have carried out attacks on communities, schools and travellers.
