By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that the agency plans to organise protests in Sokoto State. The DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered the investigation on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, following Atiku’s claim. The ADC presidential candidate alleged that the agency intended to create unrest ahead of the party’s campaign rally.
DSS Responds to Atiku’s Allegation
Atiku reportedly accused the DSS leadership of recruiting protesters to disrupt activities in Sokoto. He alleged that the planned protests would create grounds for imposing a curfew and stopping the ADC campaign rally.
However, the DSS rejected the allegation, citing its security operations across political parties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, explained the agency’s position.
The Service said its operatives rescued ADC governorship candidate Mannir Daniya during an attack on October 31, 2026.
According to the DSS, its personnel evacuated Daniya to safety during the incident. Meanwhile, two DSS operatives sustained injuries after unidentified persons assaulted them.
The agency added that the injured officers remained in hospital as of Tuesday.
Daniya Appreciates DSS Security Operatives
The DSS also disclosed that Daniya personally contacted its Sokoto State Director after the incident.
According to the agency, the ADC candidate appreciated the security intervention. He also requested additional security reinforcement.
The Service maintained that its operations demonstrated its commitment to protecting political actors. It stressed that its security responsibilities cut across party affiliations.
Nevertheless, the agency acknowledged Atiku’s allegation and ordered an investigation.
The statement added that the allegation contradicted the sacrifices of operatives protecting political actors. However, the Director-General directed an investigation in deference to Atiku.
DSS Cites Arrest and Prosecution in Rivers
Furthermore, the DSS referenced its arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State.
The agency said operatives arrested Steven on March 2, 2026, over an alleged threat. The alleged threat targeted the presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress, Peter Obi.
According to the Service, a Federal High Court in Rivers State prosecuted Steven. The court subsequently sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment.
The DSS said the case demonstrated its commitment to protecting political candidates, regardless of party affiliation.
It also maintained that the current Director-General would continue to ensure accountability within the agency.
DSS Addresses Sowore’s Allegation in Ekiti
The agency also recalled a similar allegation involving African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore had accused the DSS of involvement in an attack against him in Ekiti State.
However, the Service welcomed the police investigation into the incident.
According to the DSS, a preliminary police report identified an altercation as the cause. The investigation also led to the arrest of 11 suspects.
The agency said it awaited the police investigation’s final outcome. Consequently, it declined to expend further energy on the matter.
APC and ADC Trade Accusations Over Sokoto Incident
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress exchanged accusations over the Sokoto incident.
The dispute followed an alleged attack on the convoy of ADC governorship candidate Mannir Daniya.
The incident has heightened political tensions between both parties in Sokoto State.
However, the DSS maintains that its operatives intervened to protect Daniya during the attack.
The agency also insists that its security operations demonstrate its responsibility to protect political actors across party lines.
The investigation ordered by Ajayi will determine the agency’s response to Atiku’s allegation.
