Police Raise Nationwide Terror Alert, Warn Of Possible Attacks On Schools, Churches, Mosques, NYSC Camps

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a nationwide security alert following intelligence reports indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements planning possible coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps and other vulnerable public locations across the country.

The alert was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, issued by the Force Department of Operations in Abuja and circulated to Commissioners of Police and police formations nationwide.

According to the police, intelligence identified the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas of concern. The Force disclosed that armed elements were reportedly moving from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and their local collaborators were conducting surveillance on potential targets.

The police expressed particular concern over the safety of educational institutions, warning that terrorists could exploit the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session to launch attacks when schools are filled with students and staff, potentially causing mass casualties.

The Force also warned that the planned attacks could be timed ahead of the 2027 general elections in an attempt to destabilise communities, spread fear and undermine public confidence.

To counter the threat, the Inspector-General of Police directed all commanders to intensify surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control measures and rapid-response deployments. Commissioners of Police were further instructed to strengthen security at state borders, entry and exit routes, and other critical locations.

The police also ordered commands to work closely with other security agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and NYSC management to enhance intelligence sharing and establish effective early-warning systems.

The Force directed that any credible threat or security incident be reported immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations, while all commands were ordered to ensure strict compliance with the security directives.