DSS warns of planned terrorist attacks on Sokoto tertiary institutions

The Department of State Services (DSS) Sokoto State Command has sounded an alarm on impending attacks by terrorists and bandits on tertiary institutions within the state.

The agency further stated that the attack would lead to the abduction of students, lecturers, other members of staff, and even relatives.

This information was stated in a security alert that was sent to the Sokoto State Government on August 18.

A security alert was verified by a DSS source.

According to the security alert, there is intelligence on the part of the Department of State Services (DSS) showing that criminal organizations have changed their tactics from primary and secondary schools to tertiary institutions.

The service described the development as a serious threat to the education sector, noting that tertiary institutions accommodate large populations of students, academic and non-academic staff, as well as their family members.

According to the DSS, the alleged plot was not merely aimed at kidnapping individuals but could form part of a broader strategy to cripple educational activities, create widespread fear and undermine confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens and public institutions.

The service warned that any successful attack on tertiary institutions could inflict serious damage on Nigeria’s image, particularly before the international community, while deepening the climate of insecurity already affecting educational activities in parts of the country.

The DSS called for an immediate upgrade of the security architecture around tertiary institutions across Sokoto State, stressing the need for proactive measures rather than waiting for criminal elements to strike before responding.

The service said it had already alerted relevant security and response agencies to the emerging threat and urged them to deploy appropriate countermeasures to prevent the planned attacks and protect students, staff and critical educational infrastructure.

The security agency also called on the Sokoto government to treat the warning with the seriousness it deserves and take urgent, decisive and coordinated action to strengthen security around universities and other tertiary institutions across the state.