The Department of State Services (DSS) has rejected allegations by African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, that the agency is involved in organising protests in Sokoto State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS described the claim as inconsistent with its record of providing security for political actors across party lines.
The agency cited an incident on October 31, 2026, in which DSS operatives reportedly evacuated the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, to safety after he came under attack. According to the DSS, two of its operatives were assaulted during the operation and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The agency further stated that Daniya personally contacted the Sokoto State Director of the DSS to express appreciation for the intervention and subsequently requested additional security reinforcement.
The DSS also referenced an earlier operation on March 2, 2026, when it arrested one Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State for allegedly threatening to attack the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to the service, the suspect was prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years imprisonment.
While insisting that its actions demonstrate impartial protection of political parties and candidates, the DSS said the allegation by Atiku Abubakar could undermine the morale of its personnel who risk their lives in the line of duty. Nevertheless, it disclosed that the Director-General had ordered an investigation into the claim out of respect for the former vice president.
The agency also referred to a previous allegation by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who claimed that the DSS was involved in an attack on him in Ekiti State. The service commended the police for what it described as a swift investigation, noting that a preliminary report attributed the incident to an altercation and led to the arrest of 11 suspects.
According to the statement, the DSS is awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation and does not intend to expend further resources on the matter at this stage.
“The Service will continue to remain accountable under the present DG,” the statement concluded.
