Police Rise Alert Over Planned Attacks on Churches, Schools

 

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert over intelligence indicating possible coordinated attacks on churches, schools, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps and other vulnerable locations across the country.

The alert, contained in a wireless message dated September 13, 2026, was issued by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and circulated to police commands and specialised formations nationwide.

According to the intelligence, there has been increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible attacks, with the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West identified as areas of particular concern.

The police also reported the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and their local collaborators were allegedly conducting surveillance of potential targets.

The Force expressed particular concern over schools ahead of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session, warning that terrorists could exploit the concentration of students and staff to cause mass casualties. The alert also raised concerns that attacks could be planned ahead of the 2027 general elections to create fear and destabilise communities.

Consequently, police commanders were directed to strengthen security around identified vulnerable locations, intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations and access control. They were also ordered to tighten security at borders and major entry and exit routes to prevent the movement of armed elements.

The police further directed commanders to work closely with other security agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and NYSC officials to improve intelligence sharing and early-warning mechanisms, while members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or movements to security agencies.