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The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has warned Nigerians to remain vigilant, saying terrorist and criminal groups weakened by ongoing military operations may resort to isolated attacks in a bid to spread fear.
In a security advisory dated August 27, 2026, ONSA said sustained offensives by security forces in the North-East, North-West and North-Central had dealt significant blows to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups.
According to the advisory, several terrorist and bandit leaders, including Abubakar Al-Mainok, also known as Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, have been neutralised, while numerous camps, hideouts and criminal strongholds have been dismantled.
The office, however, cautioned that the military successes could provoke retaliatory actions from the affected groups.
“There is a need for heightened alertness, as such groups may seek to carry out isolated acts aimed at creating fear or drawing attention to themselves,” the advisory stated.
ONSA said intelligence, security and law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with local and international partners, had intensified intelligence gathering and threat monitoring across the country to prevent possible attacks.
It urged Nigerians to remain security-conscious by paying attention to their surroundings and promptly reporting suspicious persons, vehicles, objects or unusual activities through the appropriate security channels.
The office also called on state and local governments to strengthen community vigilance, enhance preventive security measures and improve information sharing with security agencies to ensure swift responses to emerging threats.
ONSA stressed that continued cooperation between citizens and security agencies was essential to safeguarding lives and property.
It further reassured foreign nationals, diplomatic missions, investors and development partners of the Federal Government's commitment to maintaining a secure and stable environment, adding that Nigeria would continue to work with international partners through intelligence sharing and coordinated security efforts to counter evolving threats.
