The Nigerian Army has raised the alarm over intelligence indicating plans by terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), to launch coordinated attacks on churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations across parts of Nigeria.
The warning was contained in a September 9, 2026 communication signed by AM Sodiq and addressed to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo, Ibadan, obtained by SaharaReporters.
According to the document, intelligence available to the military indicates “increasing mobilisation of resources and foot-soldiers” by terrorist groups for possible coordinated attacks in parts of the North-East, North-West, North-Central and some areas of the South-West.
The Army said the attacks could occur “any moment from now,” warning that places of worship, learning institutions and other vulnerable public facilities may be targeted.
The document specifically identified Catholic and Protestant churches, as well as primary and secondary schools, among the potential targets.
Army
The army also disclosed that it had received intelligence about the reported movement of scores of armed fighters from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
“Available intelligence indicates increasing mobilisation of resources and foot-soldiers by terrorist groups for possible coordinated attacks on places of worship, learning institutions, National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Orientation Camps and other vulnerable targets in parts of the country, particularly, within the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West regions, any moment from now,” the document stated.
The military further said suspected ISWAP members had begun surveillance and reconnaissance activities around some identified targets, with the assistance of local collaborators.
“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,” it added.
Of particular concern to the military is the alleged targeting of educational institutions ahead of the resumption of schools for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The army said the timing of the planned attacks was designed to take advantage of the large concentration of students and staff when schools reopen, with the aim of causing mass casualties and creating widespread fear.
It also linked the plan to the security environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.
“The timing which is 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 latest intelligence suggested that the terrorist groups may have moved beyond merely expressing an intention to attack and could already be taking preparatory steps.
“This development suggests possible progression from intent to preparatory activity and therefore warrants heightened vigilance around identified locations and similarly exposed facilities,” it said.
However, the military called for intensified surveillance and stronger defensive security measures around the identified locations, as well as other public places considered vulnerable to attacks.
“In view of the foregoing, there is need for intensified surveillance and enhanced defensive security around the identified targets and other public places,” the Army said.
