By Matthew Okon
The Nigerian Army has warned of possible coordinated attacks by terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), on schools, churches, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable public places across the country.
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The warning was contained in a communication dated September 9, 2026, signed by AM Sodiq and addressed to the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, SaharaReporters reports.
According to the Army, intelligence indicated “increasing mobilisation of resources and foot-soldiers” by terrorist groups for possible attacks in parts of the North-East, North-West, North-Central and some areas of the South-West.
It warned that the attacks could occur “any moment from now”, identifying Catholic and Protestant churches, primary and secondary schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations as possible targets.
The Army also disclosed that it had received intelligence on the movement of scores of armed fighters from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
It further revealed that suspected ISWAP members had commenced surveillance of some identified targets, allegedly with the assistance of local collaborators.
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“Further intelligence revealed that suspected members of Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP) have commenced surveillance and reconnaissance activities against identified targets with support from their local collaborators,” the document stated.
The military expressed particular concern over schools ahead of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session, warning that terrorists could exploit the return of students and teachers to inflict mass casualties and create widespread fear.
“Of particular concern is the targeting of educational institutions, with the anticipated period of the attack assessed to coincide with the resumption of schools for the 2026/2027 academic session,” the document stated.
It added that the timing was “intended to exploit concentration of students and staff to cause mass casualties and heighten public fear and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
The Army said the intelligence suggested that the terrorist groups may have progressed beyond planning and could already be making preparations for the attacks.
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“This development suggests possible progression from intent to preparatory activity and therefore warrants heightened vigilance around identified locations and similarly exposed facilities,” it said.
The military consequently called for increased surveillance and stronger security measures around schools, religious centres, NYSC camps and other public places considered vulnerable to terrorist attacks.