The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations by former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, that it is recruiting protesters to cause unrest in Sokoto State and create grounds for imposing a curfew to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship campaign rally.
The Service described the allegation as surprising, insisting that its operatives had risked their lives to protect the party’s governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, during a mob attack on October 31, 2026.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the DSS said two of its operatives sustained injuries and were hospitalised while evacuating Daniya to safety.
According to the Service, the candidate later contacted the DSS State Director to express appreciation and request additional security reinforcement.
It said the allegation contradicted its commitment to protecting political actors across party lines, adding that the Director-General had ordered an investigation into the matter out of respect for Atiku.
The DSS also cited its arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over alleged threats to attack the New Democratic Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. It said he was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
The Service further recalled similar allegations by African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over an attack on him in Ekiti State.
It commended the Police for investigating the incident, identifying an altercation as its preliminary cause and arresting 11 suspects.
The DSS said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and would not expend further energy on the matter.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the Service said it would continue to operate transparently under its current leadership.
