Nigerian Army Warns Of Possible Terror Attacks On Churches, Schools, NYSC Camps

The Nigerian Army has warned of possible coordinated terrorist attacks targeting churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable public places across the country.

The warning was contained in a communication signed by AM Sodiq and addressed to the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan. SaharaReporters obtained the document.

According to the Army, intelligence indicates “increasing mobilisation of resources and foot-soldiers” by terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), for possible attacks across 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 potential 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 alleged that suspected ISWAP members had begun monitoring some of the identified targets with assistance from 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,” the document stated.

The military expressed particular concern over educational institutions ahead of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.

It said terrorists could seek to exploit the return of large numbers of students and teachers to cause 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 Army said.

According to the document, the timing could be aimed at exploiting the concentration of students and staff to cause mass casualties and heighten public fear ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Army said the intelligence suggested that the groups may have progressed beyond planning and could already be undertaking preparatory activities.

“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 enhanced security measures around the identified targets and other public places considered vulnerable to terrorist attacks.