DSS Raises Alarm Over Planned Attacks on Sokoto Tertiary Institutions
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Department of State Services (DSS) Sokoto State Command, has raised the alarm over intelligence indicating plans by terrorists and bandit groups to attack tertiary institutions across the state.
The Service warned that the suspected attacks could lead to the abduction of students, lecturers, non-academic staff and their family members if urgent security measures are not implemented.
The warning was contained in a July 18, 2026, security alert addressed to the Sokoto State Government and signed on behalf of the State Director of Security, B. Abdulaziz.
Titled “Planned Attack on Tertiary Institutions by Terrorist and Bandit Gangs,” the alert said criminal elements appeared to be shifting their focus from primary and secondary schools to universities and other tertiary institutions.
The DSS said the change in strategy could be linked to the large number of students, academic and non-academic staff and relatives associated with tertiary institutions.
It cautioned that attacks on such institutions could disrupt academic activities, create widespread panic and further undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to secure educational facilities.
The Service also warned that successful attacks could have broader implications for Nigeria’s international image and deepen the insecurity already affecting education in parts of the country.
In response to the emerging threat, the DSS called for an immediate strengthening of security around tertiary institutions across Sokoto State.
It said relevant security and emergency response agencies had been alerted and urged them to take proactive measures to prevent the suspected attacks.
The Service further appealed to the state government to treat the intelligence with urgency and ensure stronger coordination among security agencies, school authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
The latest warning comes against the backdrop of persistent terrorist and bandit attacks in parts of northern Nigeria, where schools and vulnerable communities have increasingly faced security threats.
The alert is expected to prompt tertiary institutions in Sokoto to intensify surveillance, access control, intelligence gathering and emergency response measures to safeguard students, staff and educational facilities.
