DSS Orders Probe Into Atiku’s Allegation of Planned Protest 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 Service plans to organise protests in Sokoto State.

The Service, however, defended its operations in the state, saying its operatives rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said its operatives evacuated Daniya to safety during the incident, while two officers who were assaulted in the process were still receiving treatment in hospital.

According to the Service, Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to appreciate the intervention and requested additional security reinforcement.

The agency described its operations as efforts to protect political parties, insisting that such activities contradicted the allegation made by Atiku.

Despite expressing concerns that the allegation could demoralise operatives risking their lives in the line of duty, the DSS said its Director-General had directed an investigation into the matter in deference to the former vice-president.

The Service also cited its arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, for allegedly threatening to attack the New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

It said the suspect was prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years in prison.

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

It commended the police for conducting a swift investigation and providing a preliminary report which attributed the incident to an altercation, as well as arresting 11 suspects.

The Service said it would await the outcome of the police investigation rather than dissipate energy on the matter.