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, learning institutions, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable targets across the country.

The warning was contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, obtained by SaharaReporters, with reference CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, issued from the Nigeria Police Force Department of Operations (NIGPOL DOPS), Abuja.

The message, marked “Security General" and tagged “Treat as Very Important,” was circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1–17, Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism and other specialised formations, as well as Commissioners of Police in all states.

The directive was also copied to several departments and formations at Force Headquarters, including Intelligence, Finance and Administration, the Directorate of Training and Development, the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Research and Planning, ICT, and the Force Security Department.

According to the police communication, intelligence available to the Department of Operations indicates an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

The alert identified the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas of particular concern.

The police further disclosed that intelligence had revealed the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

The Force also said 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 particularly concerning, warning that attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.

According to the wireless message, terrorists could seek to exploit the concentration of students and staff in schools to cause mass casualties.

The police said such attacks could also be intended to occur ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising concerns about possible attempts by terrorist elements to destabilise communities and create widespread fear before the polls.

The Force assessed the intelligence as a possible progression from “intent to preparatory activity,” stressing that the development required immediate and proactive security measures.

However, the Department of Operations directed all affected formations and commands to heighten security around places of worship, schools, NYSC camps and other vulnerable locations.

The police ordered commanders to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around identified vulnerable locations.

All Commissioners of Police were also directed to tighten security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches in order to prevent the infiltration and movement of armed elements.

The Force directed its commanders to work closely with other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and the management of the National Youth Service Corps to improve information sharing and establish effective early-warning mechanisms.

The police also ordered that any identified security gaps be addressed immediately.

“All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels,” the message stated.

The Force further directed that any credible threat or incident should be reported immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations.

The commands were ordered to ensure strict compliance with the directive and provide feedback on security measures put in place.