The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert, ordering commanders to tighten security around schools, places of worship, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps following intelligence reports of possible terrorist activity.
The directive came in a September 13, 2026, wireless communication from the Force Department of Operations in Abuja, referenced as CB: 0900/FDPS/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL38/68. It was circulated to senior police formations nationwide and marked for urgent attention.
Intelligence Details and Regional Focus
The intelligence reportedly covers several parts of the country, with the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, alongside parts of the South-West, identified for increased vigilance. One specific movement flagged involved armed elements traveling from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
Police intelligence also reportedly identified suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members and local collaborators conducting reconnaissance around potential targets.
Timing and Potential Threats
The warning comes as Nigeria's 2026/2027 academic session begins, putting large numbers of students and staff back into schools. According to the police assessment, terrorists could exploit this concentration of people if they move from planning to an actual operation.
The communication also links the potential threat to the period leading up to Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Police warned that attacks during this period could be used to spread fear and unsettle communities.
Police Response and Security Measures
In response, police commanders were instructed to increase patrols and intelligence gathering around vulnerable locations. They were also told to strengthen access controls, stop-and-search operations, and arrangements for responding quickly to credible threats.
Commissioners of Police were directed to pay particular attention to borders and major entry and exit routes in their jurisdictions, with the aim of detecting and stopping the movement of armed groups. The Force also called for closer cooperation between police commands, other security agencies, school authorities, religious leaders, and NYSC officials.
The directive requires suspicious persons, vehicles, and movements to be reported through established channels, while credible threats or incidents are to be escalated to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu and the Department of Operations.
Disu became Nigeria's 23rd Inspector-General of Police after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him in February 2026. The Nigeria Police Council subsequently ratified the appointment in March.
As of the time of filing, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued a separate public statement providing additional details about the September 13 intelligence assessment beyond the reported wireless directive.
