Police warn of possible attacks on schools and worship places

The Nigeria Police Force has warned all commands and formations across the country about possible coordinated attacks by terrorist groups. These attacks could target places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps, and other locations, according to Sahara Reporters.

This warning was shared in a wireless message dated 13 September. The message came from the Force Department of Operations in Abuja.

The message, labeled "Security General" and marked as "Treat as Very Important", was sent to police formations, including assistant inspectors general of police in Zones 1 to 17 and police commissioners in various states.

The police said the intelligence reports show a rise in the mobilization of terrorist groups for possible attacks on places of worship, schools, NYSC camps, and other vulnerable spots.

Areas of particular concern include parts of the North-east, North-west, North-central, and South-west regions.

PREMIUM TIMES mentions that Nigeria is facing various security challenges, such as resource-based conflict, banditry, communal clashes, and insurgency, which is spreading towards the south.

The report also noted that armed groups are moving from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State. This state has faced ongoing ethno-religious and resource-based problems.

The alert pointed out that suspected fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and their local partners are watching and gathering information on possible targets.

While ISWAP has claimed attacks outside the North-east, the group is most active in that region and around Lake Chad, where they use technology to enhance their violent tactics against military targets and civilians seen as aiding security forces.

This newspaper reported that schools in the country are set to start a new academic session on Monday, 14 September. Some schools already began a week earlier on 7 September. However, schools in areas affected by violence remain closed due to ongoing attacks.

The police alert expressed worry that terrorists might take advantage of the large number of returning students and staff to cause mass harm.

A PREMIUM TIMES analysis shows that over 2,000 students have been kidnapped by armed groups in around 30 incidents since 2014. The crisis of school attacks and kidnaps started under former President Goodluck Jonathan. It worsened during the time of his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, and now seems to be continuing under President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Tinubu has been in office for three years, but his administration has already faced more than 13 mass abductions involving at least 674 students and teachers.

The intelligence also raised alarms over possible attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections. Terrorists might try to create fear and disrupt communities.

The operations department assessed the threat level as having moved from “intent to preparatory activity”. They directed formations to take immediate preventive actions.

Police commanders were told to boost surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control, and rapid-response abilities around vulnerable areas.

Police commissioners were also instructed to strengthen security at state borders, entry and exit points, and other routes that armed groups might use to enter affected areas.

The alert further asked police commands to work closely with other security and intelligence agencies, school authorities, religious leaders, and the NYSC to improve intelligence sharing and early warning systems.

Police personnel were told to stay alert and quickly report any suspicious people, vehicles, movements, and objects through proper channels.

The police also instructed commands to report credible threats or security incidents immediately to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of Operations.

This intelligence has not been confirmed by the police. When we reached out for comments, police spokesperson Ani Iniedu said he would get back to us.