Security Alert: Be Vigilant, NSA Urges Nigerians

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has warned that disrupted terrorists may resort to isolated attacks aimed at creating fear, attracting attention and urged Nigerians to be vigilant.

The Office advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautionary measures amid potential security threats in some parts of the country.

The advisory, dated 27 August 2026, was circulated to security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public awareness and preventive security measures.

According to ONSA, the alert followed sustained military operations, intelligence gathering and threat monitoring by Nigerian security agencies in collaboration with local and international partners.

The agency said recent security operations had recorded significant successes against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), bandit groups and other criminal networks, including the elimination of several terrorist and bandit commanders.

Among those reportedly killed was ISWAP commander Abubakar Mainok, also known as Abu Bilal Al-Minuki.

ONSA said the operations had also disrupted terrorist camps, hideouts and other criminal strongholds across parts of the country.

“This advisory is issued against the backdrop of sustained operations by Nigerian security agencies across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, which have recorded notable successes against ISWAP and other criminal groups,” the agency said.

However, ONSA cautioned that despite the setbacks suffered by terrorist and criminal groups, they could resort to isolated attacks aimed at creating fear, attracting attention or demonstrating their continued capacity to operate.

It therefore urged members of the public to pay close attention to their surroundings and report suspicious activities promptly.

“Citizens are encouraged to remain alert to unusual or suspicious persons, objects, vehicles, and movements within their environment,” the advisory stated.

The National Security Adviser also called on state and local government authorities to strengthen community vigilance, support preventive security measures and ensure timely sharing of relevant information with security agencies.

While urging Nigerians to remain calm, ONSA cautioned against the circulation of unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic or undermine ongoing security operations.

The agency reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property remained a priority of the Federal Government and called for continued cooperation between citizens and security agencies.

“The government will also continue to work closely with the international community through sustained intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and coordinated preventive measures to address evolving threats and strengthen collective security,” ONSA said.

The latest advisory underscores the importance of community-based intelligence, public vigilance and coordinated security responses as authorities continue operations against terrorist, bandit and other criminal networks across vulnerable areas of the country.