The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has dismissed allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that it is recruiting protesters to cause unrest in Sokoto State. Atiku, who is also the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the claims ahead of the party’s governorship campaign rally. The DSS stated that these allegations are unfounded and contradict their operations to protect political parties and their candidates.
According to the DSS, the incident that led to these allegations occurred on October 31, 2026, when its operatives were deployed to protect the ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, during a mob attack in Sokoto State. The operatives successfully evacuated Daniya from the scene, although two DSS operatives sustained injuries and are still receiving medical attention. Daniya later expressed appreciation to the DSS for their intervention and requested additional security reinforcement.
The DSS emphasized that their operations to protect political parties and candidates are in line with their duties and contradict the allegations of sponsoring protests to create insecurity. Despite this, the Director-General of the DSS has directed an investigation into Atiku’s allegations as a gesture of respect towards the elder statesman. The Service highlighted that such allegations could demoralize its operatives, who risk their lives daily in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The DSS also cited a previous intervention in a security-related threat against former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. On March 2, 2026, the DSS arrested Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State over threats to attack Obi. The suspect was subsequently prosecuted and convicted to a two-year prison sentence. This example demonstrates the DSS’s commitment to protecting political candidates and upholding security.
In addition to Atiku’s allegations, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, accused the DSS of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State. The DSS stated that it is awaiting the conclusion of police investigations into the matter. The police have conducted a swift investigation, and preliminary findings attributed the incident to an altercation, leading to the arrest of eleven suspects.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to accountability under the leadership of its current Director-General. The Service noted that it would await the final outcome of the police investigation into the attack on Sowore rather than expend further energy on the matter. This approach reflects the DSS’s dedication to following due process and respecting the roles of other security agencies.
The DSS’s response to these allegations highlights its efforts to maintain transparency and uphold its responsibilities in Nigeria’s security landscape. By investigating Atiku’s claims and cooperating with police investigations into attacks on political candidates, the DSS aims to demonstrate its accountability and commitment to protecting political processes.
Key points
- The DSS has dismissed allegations of sponsoring protests in Sokoto State.
- An investigation into Atiku Abubakar’s allegations has been ordered.
- The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and protecting political candidates.
