The Department of State Services, Sokoto State Command, has warned of an active plot by terrorist and bandit groups to attack tertiary institutions across the state.
The warning was contained in a security alert dated August 18, 2026, and addressed to the Sokoto State Government. A DSS source confirmed the authenticity of the document to TheCable on Thursday.
According to the alert, intelligence available to the service shows a tactical shift by criminal groups. They are moving away from targeting primary and secondary schools and are now focusing on universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions.
The DSS said the planned attacks could result in the abduction of students, lecturers, non-academic staff and their family members. The service described the threat as serious because campuses house large populations and are difficult to secure in full.
The agency further stated that the objective may not be limited to kidnapping. It warned the plot could be part of a broader strategy to cripple academic activities, create widespread fear, and undermine confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens and public institutions.
The DSS noted that a successful attack would also damage Nigeria’s image before the international community, and deepen the climate of insecurity already affecting education in parts of the country.
The service called for an immediate upgrade of the security architecture around all tertiary institutions in Sokoto State. It stressed the need for proactive measures rather than waiting for an incident before responding.
It added that relevant security and response agencies have already been alerted, and urged them to deploy appropriate countermeasures to prevent the planned attacks and protect students, staff and critical educational infrastructure.
The DSS also urged the Sokoto State Government to treat the warning with seriousness and take urgent, decisive and coordinated action to strengthen security around universities and other tertiary institutions in the state.
