The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted the Sokoto State Government to intelligence indicating plans by terrorists and bandits to attack and abduct students and staff of tertiary institutions across the state.
The warning was contained in a letter dated July 18, 2026, and addressed to the Sokoto State Government.
Titled “Planned Attack on Tertiary Institutions by Terrorist and Bandit Gangs,” the letter was signed on behalf of the State Director of Security by B. Abdulaziz.
The intelligence agency said criminal groups were changing their operational strategy by moving their attention from vulnerable primary and secondary schools to universities and other higher institutions.
It warned that the reported plans could place students, lecturers, non-academic staff and their families at risk of kidnapping and other forms of attacks.
According to the DSS, the tactical shift is aimed at disrupting educational activities, undermining public confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens and damaging Nigeria’s international image.
The Service said the development required urgent attention from the state government and other relevant authorities.
“Intelligence available to the command indicated a tactical shift in the focus of criminal elements,” the DSS stated.
The agency called for stronger security arrangements around tertiary institutions across Sokoto State, stressing that the emerging threat should not be ignored.
“There is a need to upgrade security measures in tertiary institutions across the state,” it said.
The DSS added that relevant security and emergency response agencies had been informed and were expected to deploy appropriate measures to counter the reported threat.
It also advised the Sokoto State Government to take immediate steps to prevent the alleged plans from being executed.
The latest warning comes amid continuing security challenges across parts of the North-West, where banditry and kidnapping have remained a major threat to communities and educational institutions.
The alert has consequently raised fresh concerns about the safety of students and personnel in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other higher institutions across Sokoto State.
