The Nigeria Police Force has raised the alarm over intelligence suggesting that terrorists and their collaborators are conducting surveillance on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations across the country.
The warning comes amid heightened security concerns as schools resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to a security communication circulated to police formations nationwide, intelligence gathered by the Department of Operations points to increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks.
The police also reported the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
Security agencies were consequently directed to strengthen surveillance and security around institutions and locations considered vulnerable to attacks.
The alert was reportedly circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1 to 17, Commissioners of Police across the states, Mobile Police formations, counter-terrorism units and other specialised formations.
The police further said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and local collaborators were carrying out reconnaissance of potential targets.
Police Order Increased Surveillance
Following the intelligence, commanders were directed to intensify patrols, intelligence gathering, stop-and-search operations and access-control measures around schools, worship centres, NYSC camps and other identified locations.
Police authorities also instructed personnel to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals, vehicles, movements or objects through established security channels.
State police commands were equally directed to strengthen security around borders, entry and exit points and other strategic routes to prevent the movement or infiltration of armed elements.
The Defence Headquarters said it was monitoring the situation.
NSCDC Strengthens School Security
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also said it had increased its intelligence-gathering operations around schools and other learning institutions.
According to the Corps, its intelligence-driven operations, conducted alongside other security agencies, have helped prevent more than 100 attempted attacks on schools.
The NSCDC urged parents and students not to panic but encouraged communities to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
The Corps stressed that security remains a collective responsibility and called on residents, school authorities, community leaders and private security personnel to provide timely information that could help prevent attacks.
Security Experts Urge Vigilance
Former security officials have also advised Nigerians to take the latest warning seriously without creating unnecessary panic.
They encouraged residents to remain alert, particularly around schools, worship centres and other public gathering places, while promptly reporting unusual movements or suspicious persons to security authorities.
The latest warning comes against the backdrop of previous attacks and abductions targeting educational institutions and other public facilities in parts of Nigeria.
Security agencies are expected to maintain heightened surveillance as schools reopen and as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Source: News Register / Punch
