The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert over intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible 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, and issued by the Force Department of Operations in Abuja. It was circulated to police formations and Commissioners of Police nationwide.
According to the message, the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West are areas of concern. Police said intelligence revealed the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and local collaborators were conducting surveillance of potential targets.
The Force said the threat to learning institutions was particularly concerning, warning that attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session, when the concentration of students and staff could be exploited to cause mass casualties.
Police also warned that attacks could occur ahead of the 2027 general elections to destabilise communities and create widespread fear.
Commanders were directed to intensify surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements. Commissioners were also ordered to tighten security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches.
The police further directed commanders to work with security agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and NYSC management to improve information sharing and establish early-warning mechanisms.
The Force ordered that credible threats or incidents be reported immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations, while commands were directed to ensure strict compliance.