DSS Denies Atiku’s Sokoto Protest Allegation, Says Operatives Saved ADC Candidate From Attack

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, that the agency was planning to organise protests in Sokoto State.

The Service, in a statement issued on Monday by its Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said its operatives were deployed in Sokoto to protect lives and maintain security, not to create unrest.

The DSS said its personnel rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, on October 31, 2026, after he was attacked by suspected assailants.

According to the Service, Daniya was evacuated to safety without injuries, while two DSS operatives who were involved in the rescue operation were assaulted during the incident and are still receiving medical treatment.

The statement added that Daniya personally contacted the Sokoto State DSS Director to appreciate the intervention and requested additional security support.

The agency said its actions were part of its responsibility to protect political actors across party lines, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

The DSS also recalled the arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over alleged threats to attack the New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The Service said Steven was prosecuted at a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years imprisonment.

Reacting to Atiku’s allegation, the DSS said such claims could affect the morale of its personnel who are working under difficult conditions to protect citizens and political stakeholders.

However, the agency said the Director-General of the DSS had ordered an investigation into the allegation “in deference to the elder statesman.”

The statement also referred to a similar allegation by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who had accused the Service of involvement in an attack against him in Ekiti State.

The DSS said it welcomed the police investigation into the Ekiti incident, noting that the preliminary report linked the incident to an “altercation” and led to the arrest of 11 suspects.

The Service said it would await the final outcome of the police investigation and remain focused on its duty of protecting Nigerians.

“The Service will continue to remain accountable under the present DG,” the statement added.