The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has denied allegations made by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that it is recruiting protesters to cause unrest in Sokoto State. The DSS described the allegations as surprising, stating that its operatives were actually protecting the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, from a mob attack on October 31, 2026.
According to the DSS, two of its operatives were injured and hospitalised during the incident while protecting Daniya. The operatives successfully evacuated Daniya to safety, and he later personally called to appreciate the State Director of the Sokoto Command and requested additional security reinforcement. The DSS statement was posted on its official X handle, contradicting Atiku's claims.
The DSS also recalled a similar incident on March 2, 2026, when it arrested Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State for allegedly threatening to attack the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. The DSS said it successfully prosecuted Udeme at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, where he was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and is currently serving his sentence.
The agency added that despite the facts contradicting Atiku's allegations, the Director-General of the DSS has ordered an investigation into the claims. The DSS statement read in part, highlighting that its operations to protect members of all political parties risk being undermined by such allegations, which tend to demoralise its operatives.
Furthermore, the DSS referenced a similar allegation made by AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, that the Service was involved in an attack on him in Ekiti State. The DSS thanked the Police for their swift investigation and preliminary report, which identified an altercation as the cause of the incident, as well as the arrest of 11 suspects.
The Service stated that it will continue to remain accountable under the present Director-General and will not dissipate energy on the matter, awaiting the outcome of the Police investigation. The DSS's response aims to clarify its role in protecting political candidates and maintaining order during election periods.
The incident highlights the tensions and challenges faced by security agencies in Nigeria during election periods. The DSS's efforts to protect candidates from various political parties underscore its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders.
Key points
- The DSS denied allegations of recruiting protesters in Sokoto State, citing its efforts to protect the ADC governorship candidate.
- Two DSS operatives were injured and hospitalised while protecting the Sokoto ADC governorship candidate from a mob attack.
- The DSS has ordered an investigation into Atiku's allegations despite contradicting facts.
