DSS Uncovers Plot by Terrorists, Bandits to Attack Sokoto Universities, Schools

The Department of State Services, DSS, Sokoto State Command, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by terrorists and bandits to attack tertiary institutions across the state.

The warning has raised fresh security concerns over the safety of students, lecturers, non-academic staff and their relatives who live around university campuses and other higher institutions.

According to the security alert, the criminal groups may be preparing to shift their attention from primary and secondary schools to universities and other tertiary institutions.

The DSS said the intelligence available to it points to a possible attempt to abduct members of the university community and cause serious disruption to academic activities.

Politics Nigeria reports that the warning was contained in a letter dated July 18, 2026, and addressed to the Sokoto State Government.

The letter was signed on behalf of the State Director of Security by B. Abdulaziz.

It was titled, “Planned Attack on Tertiary Institutions by Terrorist and Bandit Gangs.”

The DSS said the development required urgent action from the state government and relevant security agencies.

The Service explained that criminal groups that had previously focused on vulnerable communities and lower-level schools were now believed to be considering tertiary institutions as potential targets.

It noted that universities and other higher institutions could be attractive to the groups because of the large number of students and staff within and around such facilities.

The presence of students’ hostels, staff quarters and private residences close to some campuses could also increase the number of people exposed if an attack occurs.

The intelligence alert warned that the threat goes beyond the possible abduction of individuals.

According to the DSS, an attack on tertiary institutions could be used to disrupt education, spread fear among students and parents and weaken public confidence in the government’s ability to secure schools.

The Service also warned that a successful attack could damage the image of Nigeria, particularly if students and academic workers were targeted on a large scale.

It therefore urged the Sokoto State Government to take preventive measures instead of waiting for an attack before responding.

The DSS called for the security arrangements around universities and other tertiary institutions to be strengthened immediately.

It also disclosed that relevant security and response agencies had been informed about the intelligence.

The agencies were urged to put appropriate measures in place to prevent the suspected plans from being carried out.

The Service stressed the need for stronger surveillance around campuses and surrounding communities.

It also highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering, access control and quick response to suspicious movements around educational institutions.

The warning comes as parts of Sokoto continue to face security challenges linked to armed banditry and terrorist activities.

Recent reports have also highlighted the changing nature of militant activity in the region, including the presence and expansion of groups such as Lakurawa in parts of Sokoto and neighbouring areas.

The DSS urged the state government and security agencies to maintain close coordination in dealing with the situation.

It also called for proactive steps capable of protecting lives and safeguarding educational facilities.

The warning is coming at a time when insecurity has continued to affect education in different parts of northern Nigeria.

Several school attacks and abductions recorded in the region over the years have forced authorities to reassess security arrangements around educational institutions.

Recent data on school attacks between 2014 and 2026 showed that northern states have accounted for the overwhelming majority of major school abduction incidents recorded during the period.

The development has also raised concerns about the safety of students who live outside campus premises.

In some institutions, students are housed in private hostels located several kilometres from the main campus, leaving them exposed while travelling between their residences and lecture halls.

The DSS alert did not identify any specific university or tertiary institution as the immediate target.

It also did not disclose the identity of any suspected terrorist or bandit group behind the alleged plan.

Instead, the Service issued the warning to enable the authorities to strengthen security before the criminal elements can carry out their alleged plans.