Nigeria Police Issues Nationwide Terror Alert Over Threats to Schools, Worship Centres, NYSC Camps

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert over intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

The warning was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, issued by the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters, Abuja, and circulated to police commands and specialised formations across the country. The message was marked “Security General” and classified for urgent attention.

The police identified the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas of particular concern. The Force also said intelligence indicated the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

According to the alert, suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and local collaborators were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets. The police described the threat to learning institutions as especially concerning as schools prepare for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The Force warned that terrorists could exploit the return of large numbers of students and staff to schools to carry out attacks and cause widespread casualties. It also raised concerns that attacks could be planned ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially creating fear and instability in affected communities.

The police said the intelligence suggested a possible shift from terrorist “intent to preparatory activity”, prompting the need for immediate preventive measures. Commands were directed to increase surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response readiness around identified vulnerable locations.

Commissioners of Police were also instructed to strengthen security along state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent the movement of armed elements. The Force directed police formations to coordinate with other security and intelligence agencies, as well as school authorities, religious leaders and NYSC officials.

The police further ordered commanders to close identified security gaps and ensure that suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects are promptly reported through established channels. Any credible threat or security incident is to be immediately escalated to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations, while commands were instructed to provide feedback on measures taken.