DSS Challenges Atiku Over Sokoto Protest Allegation, Says Two Operatives Injured Protecting ADC Candidate

The Department of State Services (DSS) has challenged former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over allegations that the agency is recruiting protesters to cause unrest in Sokoto State.

The Service said two of its operatives were injured and hospitalised while protecting the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, during a mob attack on October 31, 2026.

Atiku had alleged that the DSS was organising protests to create disorder in the state and provide justification for imposing a curfew that could prevent the ADC from holding its campaign rally.

However, in a statement published on its official X handle,  the security agency said the allegation was inconsistent with its activities, particularly its recent intervention to protect the opposition governorship candidate.

According to the DSS, its operatives successfully evacuated Daniya from the scene of the attack without injury, although two personnel sustained injuries during the incident and were still receiving medical attention.

The Service further disclosed that Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the Sokoto Command to appreciate the intervention and subsequently requested additional security reinforcement.

The agency said its responsibility to protect political actors across party lines contradicted claims that it was working to undermine the opposition or instigate unrest.

Nevertheless, the DSS said its Director-General had ordered an investigation into Atiku’s allegation in deference to the former vice-president, whom it described as an elder statesman.

The statement added that the allegation could demoralise operatives risking their lives in the discharge of their security responsibilities.

To illustrate its commitment to protecting political figures irrespective of party affiliation, the Service recalled the arrest of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over an alleged threat to attack the New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The DSS said Steven was prosecuted before a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

The agency also referenced a similar allegation by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who had accused the Service of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.

On the incident, the DSS commended the police for what it described as a swift investigation, noting that a preliminary report attributed the incident to an altercation and that 11 suspects had been arrested.

The Service said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and would not expend further energy on the matter.

Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the DSS said it would continue to discharge its responsibilities under the leadership of the current Director-General.