...Parents on edge as security agencies launch heightened surveillance nationwide
A fresh security alert has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, with the police warning of possible coordinated terrorist attacks targeting schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
The warning comes as schools reopen for the 2026/2027 academic session, raising fresh fears among parents already deeply concerned about the safety of their children.
In a security communication circulated to police formations nationwide, the Force said intelligence indicated an increased mobilisation of terrorist elements allegedly preparing for coordinated attacks.
Police authorities further warned that suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives and local collaborators were carrying out surveillance and reconnaissance of potential targets.
Of particular concern to security agencies is intelligence indicating the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
The alert was circulated to senior police formations across the country, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, counter-terrorism units, Mobile Police formations and other specialised commands.
SCHOOLS PUT ON HIGH ALERT
With the new academic session underway, the police have ordered commanders to tighten security around learning institutions and other locations considered vulnerable.
Authorities have directed formations to intensify:
Intelligence-led surveillance
Patrols around vulnerable locations
Stop-and-search operations
Access-control measures
Rapid-response arrangements
Monitoring of state borders and major entry and exit routes
Police personnel were also instructed to maintain heightened vigilance and immediately report suspicious people, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels.
The Defence Headquarters said it was monitoring the situation.
“We are monitoring the situation,” Defence Media Operations Director, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said.
NSCDC: INTELLIGENCE NETWORK DOUBLED
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it had also strengthened its intelligence operations around schools and other educational institutions.
NSCDC spokesman Babafemi Afolabi said the Commandant-General had briefed state commandants and directed officers and tactical squads to remain on heightened alert.
According to him, intelligence-driven operations involving security agencies had already disrupted more than 100 attempted attacks on schools.
He urged parents not to allow fear to prevent their children from returning to school, stressing that security agencies were working with communities, private guards and other stakeholders to prevent attacks.
But for many parents, the latest warning has revived painful memories of Nigeria's history of school attacks, kidnappings and abductions.
‘PARENTS ARE SCARED’
The National Secretary of the Uche Onyia-led faction of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Nabayi, acknowledged the growing anxiety among parents.
“Parents are worried now, parents are scared of sending children back to school,” he said.
Nabayi called on governments at all levels to urgently reinforce security around schools and deploy technology capable of detecting threats before they reach school premises.
He also called for the revival and stronger implementation of the Safe School Initiative, arguing that schools in vulnerable communities remain dangerously exposed to heavily armed attackers.
Rather than shutting down schools across the board, he advocated moving pupils from high-risk areas to safer institutions where necessary.
‘SECURITY IS EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS’
Former Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ali Amodu urged Nigerians to take the warning seriously, describing intelligence alerts as an important part of preventing attacks.
He called on residents to report suspicious individuals, vehicles and movements, particularly around schools and places of worship.
Former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor similarly urged security agencies, governments and citizens to act on the warning before any attack occurs.
“If you get such an advisory, we should take it seriously so that people are not caught unawares,” Ejiofor said.
He stressed the importance of community intelligence, urging Nigerians to embrace the principle of “see something, say something.”
A FAMILIAR NIGHTMARE
The latest warning comes against the backdrop of previous attacks on schools and public institutions.
In May 2026, dozens of pupils and teachers were reportedly abducted in separate school attacks, including an attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in which 49 pupils, teachers and a toddler were reportedly abducted. A mathematics teacher was also killed while in captivity.
The DSS had also previously alerted religious leaders in Osun State to alleged plans by terrorists to attack places of worship and other public gathering centres ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For parents, the latest police warning has therefore brought an old fear roaring back: Can their children return to school without becoming targets?
Security agencies insist they are preparing.
But the message from parents and education stakeholders is equally clear — prevention, intelligence and rapid response must come before the next attack, not after it.
TERROR ALERT: Security Agencies Warn of Possible Coordinated Attacks on Schools, Churches, NYSC Camps
