Date: July 29, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
ABUJA, Nigeria — A leaked intelligence memo from Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) has warned of an alleged plan by Boko Haram insurgents to launch coordinated attacks and carry out high-profile kidnappings in parts of Adamawa and Borno states. The alert has prompted calls for heightened security across vulnerable communities in Nigeria's North-East.
According to the leaked document, dated July 27, 2026, intelligence indicates that Boko Haram militants are planning major operations in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The memo was reportedly addressed to the Commander of the 23 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Yola.
The intelligence report states that the planned attacks are intended to demonstrate the collapse of an alleged ceasefire arrangement previously reached between the insurgents and authorities in the affected states. The memo claims the militants are preparing coordinated assaults aimed at creating fear and destabilizing the affected communities.
According to the leaked warning, the insurgents are allegedly planning to abduct prominent individuals, including government officials, councillors, district heads, pastors, and local residents. The report specifically warns that the District Head of Michika and his son could be among the intended targets.
The document further alleges that Boko Haram has already deployed surveillance teams to the affected areas as part of preparations for the planned operations. Security officials warned that the reconnaissance activity suggests the militants may be gathering intelligence before launching attacks.
In response to the threat, the DSS advised the Nigerian military to strengthen security in collaboration with local forest guards and community hunters. The memo recommended increasing patrols and surveillance around the affected local government areas to prevent the planned attacks and protect residents.
The leaked intelligence has heightened concerns about renewed insurgent activity in Nigeria's North-East, where Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have continued to carry out attacks despite years of military operations against them. The region has experienced repeated attacks on communities, security personnel, and public infrastructure in recent months.
Neither the DSS nor the Nigerian Army had publicly commented on the leaked memo at the time of publication. Reuters and other independent news organizations have not independently verified the contents of the document.
Security analysts say intelligence warnings of this nature are typically issued as precautionary measures to enable security agencies to strengthen protective operations before any potential attack occurs. Residents in the affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant while authorities monitor the reported threat.