The Nigeria Police Force has alerted Nigerians to intelligence pointing to possible terrorist attacks on schools, worship centres, NYSC camps and other soft targets across the country.
The warning comes as schools reopen for the 2026/2027 academic session, with security agencies stepping up surveillance around locations considered vulnerable to attacks.
Police intelligence reportedly showed that armed elements were moving from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected ISWAP members and their local associates were allegedly monitoring potential targets.
Following the development, police authorities directed commands nationwide to increase patrols, intelligence operations, stop-and-search exercises, access control and emergency response around schools and other vulnerable facilities.
Commissioners of Police were also instructed to strengthen security along state borders, major entry and exit points and other routes that could be used by armed groups to infiltrate communities.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that it was keeping watch on the situation. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, simply said, “We are monitoring the situation.”
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babafemi Afolabi, said the corps had expanded its intelligence network around schools and directed its personnel to remain alert. He said collaboration with other security agencies and community leaders had helped prevent more than 100 attempted attacks on schools.
Former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ali Amodu, urged Nigerians to treat the alert seriously and promptly report suspicious people, vehicles and movements, particularly around worship centres and other public places.
Former DSS Director, Mike Ejiofor, similarly called for preventive action, stressing that the military, police, intelligence agencies, governments and citizens must work together to frustrate any planned attack.
Parents, however, remain concerned about the safety of their children. The National Secretary of the Uche Onyia-led faction of NAPTAN, Ibrahim Nabayi, urged the government to improve protection around schools and revive the Safe School Initiative.
“Parents are worried now, parents are scared of sending children back to school,” Nabayi said, while advocating technology capable of detecting threats around schools before attackers reach their targets.