Security agencies in Nigeria are ramping up surveillance around schools, NYSC orientation camps, and places of worship following intelligence reports suggesting that terrorists are planning coordinated attacks. The Nigeria Police Force issued a nationwide security alert indicating a heightened risk as the 2026/2027 academic session approaches.

According to the police communication, there is an alarming increase in the mobilization of terrorist elements, particularly those affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups, along with local informants, are reportedly conducting reconnaissance on potential targets, raising concerns about the safety of educational institutions and public gatherings.

The alert was disseminated to various police formations across the country, including Assistant Inspectors-General overseeing different zones, Mobile Police units, and counter-terrorism divisions. Commanders have been instructed to enhance security measures around vulnerable locations, including schools and places of worship, to prevent any potential attacks.

The police emphasized the need for vigilance, urging all personnel to report suspicious activities, including unusual movements or vehicles. They have also intensified intelligence-led operations, patrols, and rapid-response arrangements to ensure the safety of citizens, especially as schools prepare to reopen.

In response to the growing threat, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has also increased its intelligence operations across state commands. NSCDC spokesperson Babafemi Afolabi noted that the agency has successfully thwarted over 100 attempted attacks on schools through proactive measures. He reassured parents that the security forces are working diligently to protect educational institutions and urged them to allow their children to return to school.

However, many parents remain apprehensive about sending their children back to school amid rising terror threats. Ibrahim Nabayi, the National Secretary of the Uche Onyia-led faction of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, expressed concerns over the safety of students and called for enhanced security measures from the government. He suggested the implementation of advanced technology to detect threats from a distance, thereby improving the security framework around schools.

Nabayi highlighted the vulnerability of schools, stating that existing security personnel often lack the resources to effectively counter heavily armed attackers. He recalled the Safe School Initiative, which was introduced by the current Minister of Defence during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, and urged the government to revive and strengthen this program to ensure the safety of students.

Former security officials have echoed these sentiments, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. They emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies.

As the new academic year approaches, the police and other security agencies are under pressure to ensure the safety of schools and public spaces. With previous incidents of attacks on educational institutions still fresh in the minds of many, the need for heightened security measures has never been more critical. Parents, educators, and community leaders are all being encouraged to collaborate with security agencies to foster a safer environment for learning.