DSS Probes Atiku’s Allegation of Planned Protests in Sokoto, Defends Operatives’ Actions
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 Service is planning to organise protests in Sokoto State.
The Service, however, dismissed the allegation as inconsistent with its record of protecting political actors across party lines, citing its intervention during an attack on the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto on October 31, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said its operatives deployed to protect the ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, evacuated him safely during the incident.
According to the statement, two DSS operatives were assaulted during the attack and were still receiving medical treatment at a hospital as of the time of the announcement.
The Service added that Daniya personally contacted the Sokoto State Director of the DSS to express appreciation for the intervention and subsequently requested additional security reinforcement.
Read Also:
Defending its role in safeguarding political actors irrespective of their party affiliations, the DSS also recalled the arrest of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over alleged threats to attack the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
It said the suspect was prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
The Service maintained that such operations demonstrated its commitment to protecting political stakeholders, arguing that allegations suggesting otherwise could undermine the morale of operatives risking their lives in the discharge of their duties.
Nevertheless, the DSS said its Director-General had directed an investigation into Atiku’s allegation, describing the decision as a demonstration of respect for the former vice-president.
The statement also referenced a similar allegation by the 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 what it described as a swift investigation and the submission of a preliminary report, which reportedly attributed the incident to an altercation.
It further noted that 11 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that it would await the outcome of the police investigation rather than engage further in the controversy.
Reaffirming its commitment to institutional accountability, the Service said it would continue to operate transparently under the leadership of its current Director-General.
By PRNigeria
