The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned the Sokoto State Government about an alleged plan by terrorists and bandit groups to attack universities and other tertiary institutions across the state.

The security alert, dated August 18, said the threat could target students, lecturers, non-teaching staff and their family members.

The warning comes as insecurity remains a major concern for schools in northern Nigeria, where attacks and abductions have repeatedly disrupted learning in recent years.

A DSS source confirmed the authenticity of the alert, according to another online media, which reported that the agency said criminal groups may be shifting their focus from primary and secondary schools to tertiary institutions.

The DSS said the development is dangerous because universities and other higher institutions usually gather large numbers of students, staff and relatives in one place.

It warned that a successful attack could go beyond kidnapping and could also disrupt academic work, create fear and weaken public confidence in the state’s ability to protect schools.

The agency also said such attacks could damage Nigeria’s international image at a time when insecurity is still affecting education in parts of the country.

Why Tertiary Institutions Matter

Universities, polytechnics and colleges of education are key parts of Nigeria’s education system.

They bring together students, lecturers, administrators and support staff, which makes them attractive targets for criminal groups seeking mass abductions or public panic.

The DSS alert suggests that security agencies believe education facilities in Sokoto may now face a new kind of threat, especially if armed groups are changing tactics.

The DSS asked the Sokoto State Government to immediately review and improve security around universities and other tertiary institutions in the state.

It also called on the relevant security and emergency response agencies to deploy countermeasures and protect students, staff and critical infrastructure.

The agency said authorities should act before any attack happens, instead of waiting to respond after a breach.

It further advised closer coordination between the state government and security agencies to ensure a stronger response to the alleged threat.

Northern Nigeria has faced repeated attacks on schools, with armed groups using abductions, raids and threats to force closures in some areas.

That pattern has made education facilities a soft target, especially where security coverage is weak or delayed.

The latest alert shows that security agencies are still treating schools as high-risk locations and are seeking to stop attacks before they begin.