The Nigerian Army has warned that terrorist groups, including the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), may be planning coordinated attacks on schools, NYSC orientation camps, churches, and other vulnerable public places across the country.
The army made the observation in a statement dated September 9, 2026, signed by AM Sodiq and addressed to the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.
It explained that there is increasing mobilisation of resources and foot-soldiers by terrorist groups for possible attacks in parts of the country. 
The Army also said it had received information about the movement of scores of armed fighters from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State.
The military further disclosed that suspected ISWAP members had started monitoring some of the identified targets, allegedly with the help of local collaborators.
While noting that the attacks could happen any moment from now, the Army expressed particular concern about schools ahead of the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
It said the terrorists could be planning to exploit the return of large numbers of students and teachers to cause mass casualties and create fear.
The military added that the timing was intended to exploit the concentration of students and staff to cause mass casualties as well as heighten public fear and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
