Security agencies have stepped up surveillance around schools, NYSC orientation camps, worship centres and other vulnerable locations following intelligence of possible coordinated terrorist attacks across Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force warned its formations nationwide that the attacks could come as schools reopen for the 2026/2027 academic session. Police intelligence reportedly showed increased mobilisation of terrorist elements, including suspected ISWAP operatives and local collaborators conducting surveillance of possible targets.
The police also reported the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State. Commands were ordered to increase patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control, intelligence gathering and rapid response. Security was also tightened along state borders and key entry and exit routes.
The Defence Headquarters said it was monitoring the situation.
“We are monitoring the situation,” the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said.
The NSCDC said it had doubled its intelligence network around schools. Spokesperson Babafemi Afolabi said tactical teams had stopped more than 100 attempted attacks on schools.
“All tactical squads, officers, and men of the Corps in different state commands — the Commandant General has already briefed them through their commandants. So, now that schools have resumed, they’ve doubled their intelligence network, and I’m very sure that nothing of such will happen,” he said.
Former senior security officials Ali Amodu and Mike Ejiofor also urged Nigerians to remain alert and report suspicious persons, vehicles and movements.
Parents, however, remain worried. Ibrahim Nabayi of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria called for stronger school security, technology-based monitoring and renewed implementation of the Safe School Initiative.
The concerns follow previous attacks. In May 2026, 49 pupils, teachers and a toddler were reportedly abducted from three schools in Oyo State, while a mathematics teacher was killed in captivity. The DSS had also warned religious leaders in Osun State about alleged plans to attack worship centres and public gatherings ahead of the 2027 elections.
