The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged Muslims and Islamic organisations across Nigeria to heighten vigilance and immediately report suspicious persons, movements and objects to security agencies following a nationwide terror alert.
MURIC’s warning came after the Nigeria Police Force raised concerns over intelligence indicating increased mobilisation of terrorist elements for possible coordinated attacks on places of worship, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, MURIC Executive Director, Professor Isiaq Akintola, urged Islamic organisations and individuals to be wary of unfamiliar faces at their gatherings and take precautionary measures to prevent possible attacks.
Akintola specifically advised mosques to strengthen security arrangements and exercise caution over individuals carrying bags or luggage into their premises.
He said, “Islamic organizations and individuals must be wary of strange faces at their gatherings. People carrying bags and baggage, especially back-packs, must not be allowed into mosque premises.
“Mosques must up their vigilance. Entertain no unknown faces even if their turbans carry the stamps of Saudi Arabia and Iran altogether. No sleep-over should be allowed in the mosques.
“Most importantly, dispose of any bag or luggage found inside or around the mosque immediately. They must also report suspicious persons to the police even if such person or persons pray with them in the same mosque.”
The Nigeria Police Force had, in a wireless message dated September 13, 2026, directed commands nationwide to intensify security measures following intelligence on possible coordinated terrorist attacks.
Issued by the Force Department of Operations in Abuja and marked “Security General” and “Treat as Very Important,” the message was circulated to police formations, including Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General overseeing various zones, counter-terrorism units and other specialised formations.
According to the directive, the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West were areas of particular concern.
The police also disclosed intelligence indicating the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, while suspected Islamic State West Africa Province operatives and local collaborators were reportedly conducting surveillance of potential targets.
The Force expressed particular concern over possible attacks on learning institutions, warning that terrorists could exploit the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session to target concentrations of students and staff.
It further noted that such attacks could be aimed at causing mass casualties, spreading fear and destabilising communities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The police assessed the situation as a possible progression from “intent to preparatory activity” and ordered immediate proactive measures.
Consequently, commanders were directed to intensify intelligence-led surveillance, patrols, stop-and-search operations, access control and rapid-response arrangements around vulnerable locations.
The Force also ordered tighter security at borders, entry and exit routes and other critical approaches to prevent the infiltration and movement of armed elements.
“All personnel should maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or objects through established channels,” the message stated.
Police commands were further instructed to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies, religious leaders, school authorities and the NYSC management to strengthen information sharing and early-warning mechanisms.
