Police Raise Nationwide Alarm Over Planned Attacks on Schools and Worship Centres

(Police Emblem. Photo by Aljazirah Nigeria News)

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide security alert warning that t3rrorist elements are planning coordinated att@cks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.

The warning came from a message issued on September 13 by the Force Department of Operations in Abuja and sent to police commands across the country.

The North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West are areas of greatest concern, with intelligence showing armed elements moving from Katsina through Kaduna toward Plateau State.

Suspected ISWAP operatives and local collaborators are reportedly watching potential targets and gathering information.

Educational institutions face increased risk as the new school term begins, with t3rrorists potentially using the large crowds of students and staff to cause mass casualties.

Police also linked the threat to the 2027 general elections, saying t3rrorist groups may try to destabilise communities and create fear before the polls.

Police authorities have ordered commanders to increase intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around vulnerable locations.

They've also been told to strengthen security at state borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent armed elements from moving and infiltrating the country.

Police are calling for closer cooperation between police commands, other security agencies, school authorities, religious leaders and the National Youth Service Corps to share information and establish early-warning systems.

All personnel have been ordered to remain alert and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through proper channels.

Commands must immediately report credible threats or security incidents to the Inspector-General of Police.