DSS Orders Probe Into Atiku’s Allegation of Planned Protests in Sokoto

The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into allegations by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the security agency is planning to organise protests in Sokoto State.

The Service said the Director-General had directed an investigation into the allegation in deference to Atiku, an elder statesman, despite describing the claim as inconsistent with its operations in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications,  the DSS said its operatives had recently rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31.

According to the Service, its personnel deployed to protect Daniya evacuated him safely during the incident, although two DSS operatives sustained injuries and were still receiving treatment in hospital.

The agency added that Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the DSS to express appreciation for the intervention and subsequently requested additional security reinforcement.

The DSS maintained that its operations were aimed at protecting political actors across party lines, insisting that the allegation of plans to organise protests contradicted its efforts to safeguard political candidates.

It said the accusation could also undermine the morale of operatives risking their lives to protect citizens.

Citing another instance of its security operations, 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 in Rivers State and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

The agency also referenced a separate 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 Ekiti incident, the DSS commended the police for conducting what it described as a swift investigation, presenting a preliminary report that attributed the incident to an altercation and arresting 11 suspects.

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.