Security agencies across Nigeria have heightened surveillance around schools, NYSC orientation camps, places of worship and other vulnerable locations following intelligence indicating possible coordinated terrorist attacks.

The Nigeria Police Force circulated a security alert to formations nationwide warning of what it described as increased mobilisation of terrorist elements ahead of the resumption of the 2026 and 2027 academic session.

According to the police communication, intelligence available to the Department of Operations indicated possible attacks against schools, religious centres, NYSC camps and other locations considered vulnerable.

Police formations across the country have consequently been directed to increase surveillance, patrols, intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.

The warning comes as parents express growing concern about sending their children back to school amid continuing insecurity in parts of the country.

POLICE TRACK MOVEMENT OF ARMED ELEMENTS

According to the security communication, intelligence indicated the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

Police also said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province operatives and local collaborators had been conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.

The possibility of attacks against educational institutions was described as particularly concerning because schools are reopening for a new academic session.

Assistant Inspectors General of Police, Commissioners of Police, Mobile Police units, counter terrorism formations and other specialised units were among those directed to strengthen security measures.

Commanders were instructed to increase intelligence led surveillance, patrols, stop and search operations, access control and rapid response arrangements around vulnerable locations.

Police commissioners were also directed to strengthen security around state borders and major entry and exit routes to prevent the movement of suspected armed groups.

Personnel have been urged to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious people, vehicles, movements or objects through established security channels.

DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS MONITORING SITUATION

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that the military is monitoring the situation.

Director of Defence Media Operations Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja said authorities were following developments.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has also strengthened intelligence operations around schools and other educational institutions.

NSCDC spokesperson Babafemi Afolabi said tactical units and state commands had been instructed to increase vigilance as schools resume.

According to Afolabi, intelligence driven operations involving federal and tactical units have previously helped prevent more than 100 attempted attacks against schools.

He urged parents to cooperate with security agencies and encouraged communities to immediately report suspicious activities.

PARENTS EXPRESS FEAR OVER SCHOOL RESUMPTION

The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria has acknowledged growing anxiety among parents.

National Secretary Ibrahim Nabayi said parents were increasingly worried about allowing their children to return to classrooms in areas considered vulnerable.

He called on federal and state governments to urgently strengthen security around educational institutions.

Nabayi also advocated greater use of surveillance technology capable of detecting potential threats before attackers reach school premises.

He argued that many schools remain vulnerable and that ordinary school security personnel may not have the capacity to confront heavily armed attackers.

The association called for stronger cooperation between security agencies, local communities and parent teacher groups.

CALLS FOR VULNERABLE STUDENTS TO BE RELOCATED

Nabayi said temporarily relocating students from schools considered particularly vulnerable could be preferable to completely shutting down education in affected areas.

He cited previous arrangements in Kaduna State where students were reportedly moved to safer locations to complete examinations.

The association warned that prolonged closures could disproportionately affect children without access to online education.

It also called for renewed attention to the Safe School Initiative and greater involvement of parents and communities in protecting educational institutions.

DSS ALERTS RELIGIOUS LEADERS

The Department of State Services has separately alerted Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun State about an alleged plan by terrorists to target places of worship and other public gathering locations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Assistant Inspector General of Police Ali Amodu and former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor have urged Nigerians to take security advisories seriously.

Both stressed the importance of citizens reporting unusual movements, suspicious vehicles and unfamiliar individuals to security agencies.

Authorities have not announced that any specific attack is imminent at a particular school or NYSC camp.

The security measures are preventive responses to intelligence about possible threats.

Security agencies are urging Nigerians to remain vigilant while avoiding panic as authorities increase protection around vulnerable locations.