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The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned of a planned terrorist and bandit attack on tertiary institutions in Sokoto State, urging authorities to strengthen security to prevent possible abductions and disruption of academic activities.
The warning was contained in a security alert issued by the Sokoto State Command and addressed to the state government.
Signed on behalf of the State Director of Security, B. Abdulaziz, the alert disclosed that intelligence reports indicated that terrorist and bandit groups were shifting their focus from primary and secondary schools to universities and other higher institutions.
According to the DSS, students, lecturers, non-academic staff and their families could become targets for kidnapping if proactive security measures are not taken.
The agency warned that any successful attack could cripple academic activities, create fear among students and staff, and erode public confidence in the government's ability to protect educational institutions.
It also noted that such incidents could further damage Nigeria's international image and worsen the security challenges facing the education sector.
To avert the threat, the DSS called for tighter security around tertiary institutions through enhanced surveillance, improved intelligence gathering, stricter access control and rapid-response measures.
The service said relevant security and emergency response agencies had already been alerted and urged them to implement appropriate countermeasures to safeguard lives and critical infrastructure.
It also appealed to the Sokoto State Government to act swiftly by working closely with security agencies to strengthen protection across universities and other tertiary institutions.
The DSS further urged education stakeholders and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
