Security agencies have placed schools, churches, mosques, NYSC orientation camps and other public places on heightened alert following intelligence of possible terrorist attacks during the ember months.
The Nigeria Police Force raised the alarm in a security alert circulated to its formations nationwide, directing commanders to strengthen security around locations considered vulnerable to attacks.
The warning comes as schools prepare to reopen for the 2026/2027 academic session, with intelligence suggesting that some attacks could be timed to coincide with the resumption of academic activities.
The Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters reportedly issued the directive to zonal and state commands, police formations and tactical units, including the Police Counter-Terrorism Units, Bomb Disposal Unit and Police Mobile Force.
The alert cited an “increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks” against schools, places of worship, NYSC camps and other vulnerable locations.
Security sources said the intelligence had also been disseminated to sister agencies to facilitate coordinated surveillance and preventive operations.
Part of the intelligence reportedly indicated the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province operatives and local collaborators were also said to be carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance of possible targets.
Following the development, police commanders were directed to intensify intelligence gathering and security operations around vulnerable facilities.
Personnel were instructed to maintain a high level of vigilance and immediately report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels.
The operational measures include increased patrols, intelligence-led surveillance, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around identified locations.
Commissioners of Police were also ordered to tighten security along state borders, entry and exit points and other strategic routes to prevent the movement or infiltration of armed groups.
Military authorities confirmed that they were aware of the intelligence and were monitoring developments. They added that troops had been placed on alert for possible interdiction operations.
The latest measures underscore heightened security concerns as schools reopen and public activities increase across the country during the ember months.
