Terrorists, bandits, planning to attack higher institutions – DSS warns

The Department of State Services has issued a security alert warning of plans by terrorist and bandit groups to attack tertiary institutions in Sokoto State, describing a deliberate tactical shift from targeting primary and secondary schools to universities and other higher institutions.

In an alert dated August 18 and addressed to the Sokoto State government, as confirmed by TheCable, the DSS said intelligence indicated the alleged plot could lead to the abduction of students, lecturers, non-academic staff and their family members.

The service warned the threat extends beyond kidnapping, describing it as part of a broader strategy to cripple educational activities, spread fear and undermine public confidence in government’s ability to protect citizens and institutions.

The DSS called for an immediate upgrade of security architecture around all tertiary institutions in the state and said relevant security agencies had already been alerted to deploy appropriate countermeasures.