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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

DSS alerts Sokoto as terrorists target tertiary institutions

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Department of State Services (DSS) in Sokoto has alerted the state government to intelligence indicating planned terrorist attacks and kidnappings targeting tertiary institutions.
  • Terrorist and bandit groups are reportedly shifting their focus from primary and secondary schools to universities and higher education facilities.
  • The DSS urges the government to strengthen security around these institutions and deploy countermeasures to prevent potential attacks and disruptions.

Sokoto State is on high alert following a warning from the Department of State Services (DSS) about credible intelligence indicating planned attacks and kidnappings targeting the state's tertiary institutions. A letter dated July 18, 2026, from the DSS Sokoto State command to the state government reveals that terrorist and bandit groups have strategically shifted their focus from vulnerable primary and secondary schools to universities and other higher education facilities.

The DSS letter, titled “Planned Attack on Tertiary Institutions by Terrorist and Bandit Gangs,” highlights the emerging threat to students, lecturers, non-academic staff, and their families. The Service warns that this shift in strategy is a calculated move by criminal elements to disrupt education, undermine public confidence in government security operations, and damage Nigeria's international image.

Intelligence available to the command indicated a tactical shift in the focus of criminal elements.

— DSSThe Department of State Services described the changing tactics of criminal groups.

"Intelligence available to the command indicated a tactical shift in the focus of criminal elements," the DSS stated, emphasizing that the state cannot afford to ignore the serious security implications. The Service strongly recommended an immediate upgrade of security measures around all tertiary institutions across Sokoto State. Relevant security and response agencies have reportedly been alerted to prepare and deploy countermeasures against this evolving threat.

This alert comes amid persistent insecurity challenges in Nigeria's North-West region, where banditry and kidnappings have continued to plague rural communities and educational institutions. The DSS's warning has intensified concerns regarding the safety of students and staff within Sokoto's universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other higher learning facilities. The state government has been urged to take all necessary preventive measures to thwart these reported plans.

There is a need to upgrade security measures in tertiary institutions across the state.

— DSSThe Department of State Services recommended enhanced security for higher education facilities.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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