The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a nationwide security alert following intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations across the country.
The warning contained in a police wireless message dated September 13, 2026, referenced CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68, was issued by the Nigeria Police Force Department of Operations in Abuja.
Marked “Security General” and tagged “Treat as Very Important”, it said “the communMobilisationcirculated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing Zones 1–17, Mobile Police units, counter-terrorism formations and other specialised units, as well as Commissioners of Police across the states.
It 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, intelligence available to the Department of Operations points to an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” targeting places of worship, educational institutions, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable sites.
The alert identified the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas requiring particular attention.
The police also disclosed intelligence indicating the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
The Force further reported that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and their local collaborators were carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
Learning institutions were described as a major concern, with the police warning that attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
The police said terrorists could attempt to exploit the presence of large numbers of students and staff in schools to inflict mass casualties.
The Force also raised concerns that such attacks could be planned ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially as part of efforts to destabilise communities and create widespread fear before the polls.
The intelligence was assessed as a possible progression from “intent to preparatory activity,” which the police said required immediate and proactive security measures.
Consequently, the Department of Operations directed all affected commands and formations to strengthen security around places of worship, schools, NYSC camps and other identified vulnerable locations.
Commanders were instructed to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response measures around vulnerable sites.
Commissioners of Police were also ordered to reinforce security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent the infiltration and movement of armed elements.
The Force directed its commanders to collaborate 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 systems.
Any identified security gaps, the police said, must be addressed immediately.
The message further directed all personnel to maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels.
The Force also ordered that all credible threats or security incidents be reported immediately to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of Operations.
All commands were instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive and submit feedback on the security measures implemented.
…Troops neutralise Lakurawa terrorists
In a related development, troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised several Lakurawa terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition and motorcycles during clearance operations in Arewa Dandi local government area of Kebbi state.
The operation, according to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 2, Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, was part of ongoing efforts to clear terrorist enclaves and restore security in the area.
In a statement Monday, Osoba said the troops advanced through identified terrorist enclaves around the Gumki general area of the local government area.
He said the troops made contact with the terrorists near the Nigeria-Niger border and engaged them with superior firepower, adding that several terrorists were killed during the encounter, while others abandoned their positions and fled into the forest.
He further said a follow-up operation and thorough search of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and mobility assets.
He listed the items recovered to include one PKT machine gun, AK-47 rifles, a large quantity of 7.62 x 54mm belted ammunition and 7.62mm Special ammunition.
According to him, troops also recovered four motorcycles, two smartphones, N87, 000 cash and assorted combat and miscellaneous items, adding that had consistently maintained a strong operational posture in the area and continued to dominate the general area to safeguard surrounding communities.