The Department of State Services (DSS), Sokoto State Command, has raised the alarm over alleged plans by terrorists and bandit groups to attack tertiary institutions across the state.
The agency warned that the planned attacks could result in the abduction of students, lecturers, other members of staff and their relatives.
The warning was contained in a security alert dated August 18 and addressed to the Sokoto State Government. A DSS source also confirmed the authenticity of the alert.
According to the security agency, intelligence gathered indicated that criminal groups had shifted their focus from primary and secondary schools to universities and other tertiary institutions.
The DSS described the development as a serious threat to the education sector, noting that tertiary institutions accommodate large numbers of students, academic and non-academic staff, as well as their family members.
The agency said the alleged plan went beyond the abduction of individuals, warning that it could be part of a wider strategy to disrupt educational activities, spread fear and weaken public confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens and public institutions.
The DSS further warned that a successful attack on tertiary institutions could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s image internationally while worsening the insecurity already affecting education in some parts of the country.
DSS calls for urgent security measures
The security agency called for an immediate strengthening of security arrangements around tertiary institutions across Sokoto State.
It stressed the importance of taking proactive measures rather than waiting for criminal groups to carry out attacks before responding.
The DSS said relevant security and emergency response agencies had already been alerted to the emerging threat and urged them to implement appropriate measures to prevent any planned attacks.
It also called on the Sokoto State Government to treat the warning as a matter of urgency and take coordinated steps to improve security around universities and other tertiary institutions across the state.
The agency said such measures were necessary to protect students, staff and critical educational infrastructure from potential attacks.