The Nigeria Police Force has raised the alarm over plans by suspected terrorists and their informants to attack schools, NYSC orientation camps, places of worship and other vulnerable locations across the country.
The warning followed intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements ahead of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
In a security alert circulated to police formations nationwide, the Force said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province operatives and local collaborators were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
The police also disclosed the movement of armed men from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, directing commands to intensify patrols, intelligence gathering, stop-and-search operations and security around vulnerable locations.
The Defence Headquarters said it was monitoring the situation, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it had strengthened its intelligence network around schools.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babafemi Afolabi, urged parents to allow their children to return to school, assuring them that security agencies were working to prevent attacks.
Former senior security officials, including retired AIG Ali Amodu and former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor, also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles and movements to security agencies.
Meanwhile, the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria expressed concern over parents’ fears, urging the government to strengthen security around schools and revive the Safe School Initiative.
The association also called for greater cooperation between security agencies, communities and parents, stressing that timely information could help prevent attacks.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through established security channels.