Nigeria has increased security around schools after police warned of possible terrorist attacks during the 2026/2027 academic session.
The warning has also led to tighter surveillance around places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
The Nigeria Police Force issued the alert to its formations across the country.
Nigeria school security tightened after intelligence alert
According to the police, intelligence suggested that terrorist groups could be preparing coordinated attacks.
The alert mentioned the possible movement of armed individuals from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
Police also said suspected Islamic State West Africa Province operatives and their local collaborators were monitoring potential targets.
The warning has raised particular concern about schools as students return for the new academic year.
Police commanders have therefore been directed to strengthen security around learning institutions and other sensitive locations.
Police order increased patrols and surveillance
The police instructed officers to intensify intelligence-led operations across the country.
These measures include patrols, stop-and-search exercises, access control and rapid-response arrangements.
Authorities were also told to increase monitoring at borders and major entry and exit routes.
The police urged officers to report suspicious people, vehicles, movements and objects through the appropriate channels.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters said it was monitoring the situation.
“We are monitoring the situation,” said Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations.
Civil Defence strengthens protection for schools
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has also increased its intelligence operations.
Its spokesperson, Babafemi Afolabi, said the agency had strengthened its network across the states.
He added that security operations had prevented more than 100 attempted attacks on schools.
Afolabi urged parents not to allow fear to stop their children from attending school.
He stressed that protecting schools required cooperation between security agencies, communities and private security companies.
Experts call for public vigilance
Former Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ali Amodu urged Nigerians to take the security warning seriously.
He said intelligence alerts help security agencies prepare citizens and prevent possible attacks.
Amodu also asked residents to report suspicious people, vehicles and activities to the authorities.
Former Department of State Services director Mike Ejiofor similarly called for immediate preventive action.
He said security was a shared responsibility involving government institutions, security agencies and the public.
Parents express concern over school safety
The alert has also caused concern among some parents.
Ibrahim Nabayi, a national official of a faction of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, said many parents were worried about sending their children back to school.
He appealed to the government to strengthen security around learning institutions.
Nabayi also called for closer cooperation between schools, communities, parent associations and security agencies.
For now, Nigerian authorities are relying on increased surveillance and public cooperation to reduce the risk
