The Nigeria Police Force has directed commands and specialised formations across the country to strengthen security around schools, National Youth Service Corps orientation camps, places of worship and other vulnerable locations following intelligence indicating possible coordinated terrorist attacks.

The heightened security measures come as schools resume for the 2026/2027 academic session, raising concerns over the safety of students, teachers and other members of the public at locations considered vulnerable to attack.

According to a security communication circulated among police formations, intelligence available to the Force Department of Operations indicated increased mobilisation by terrorist elements and possible reconnaissance of potential targets.

The alert identified schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable public locations among facilities requiring increased security attention.

Police commanders were consequently directed to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations and rapid-response arrangements around sensitive locations.

Commissioners of Police were also instructed to strengthen monitoring at state boundaries, major entry and exit routes and other strategic locations to restrict the movement of armed groups.

The communication was reportedly circulated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police overseeing the country's police zones, Commissioners of Police, Mobile Police formations, counter-terrorism units and other specialised commands.

Intelligence referenced in the communication also indicated possible movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.

Suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province and local collaborators were also reported to be conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of possible targets.

The claims concerning specific terrorist movements remain intelligence assessments and do not establish that an attack will necessarily occur.

The Defence Headquarters has acknowledged the security concerns, saying it is monitoring developments.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military was keeping watch on the situation.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has also strengthened intelligence operations around educational institutions following the resumption of schools.

NSCDC spokesperson Babafemi Afolabi said state commands and tactical formations had been placed on heightened vigilance, with intelligence networks strengthened around schools.

He said the corps was working with other security agencies, communities and private security personnel to improve information gathering and response.

Parents and school communities have also been urged to remain alert and report suspicious persons, vehicles or unusual movements to security agencies.

The renewed security measures come amid wider concerns over attacks and abductions targeting educational institutions and vulnerable communities in different parts of Nigeria.

In May 2026, students and teachers were abducted during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Security agencies have since repeatedly emphasised the need for stronger early-warning systems and coordinated protection of schools.