The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has warned Nigerians of possible isolated attacks by terrorist and criminal groups following sustained military operations against them in parts of the country.

In a security advisory dated August 27, 2026, ONSA urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and security-conscious, warning that groups suffering setbacks from ongoing security operations could resort to attacks aimed at creating fear and attracting public attention.

It said intelligence, security and law enforcement agencies, working with local and international partners, had intensified intelligence gathering and threat monitoring nationwide.

According to the advisory, sustained military and security operations across the North-East, North-West and North-Central had recorded notable successes against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups.

ONSA said the operations had resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorist and bandit commanders, including Abubakar Al-Mainok, alias Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, as well as the disruption of camps, hideouts and other criminal strongholds.

It, however, warned that the setbacks could trigger retaliatory actions.

“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 urged Nigerians to pay close attention to their surroundings and promptly report suspicious persons, objects, vehicles and unusual movements through appropriate security channels.

It also called on state and local governments to strengthen community vigilance, support preventive security measures and ensure timely information sharing with security agencies to facilitate early response to emerging threats.

The office stressed that cooperation between citizens and security agencies remained critical to preventing attacks and protecting lives and property.

It reassured foreign nationals, diplomatic missions, investors and development partners of the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining a safe and stable environment.

ONSA said the government would continue to collaborate with international partners through intelligence sharing, security cooperation and coordinated preventive measures to tackle evolving threats and strengthen collective security. (The Sun, but headline reworked)