The Department of State Services, DSS has denied an allegation by African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar that it is organising protests in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria.
The Service says its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, has ordered an investigation into the claim.
The DSS says its operatives took the ADC’s governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, to safety when he came under attack on October 31, 2026. Daniya was unharmed, but two of the operatives assigned to protect him were assaulted and are still receiving treatment in hospital.
DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said Daniya personally called the DSS State Director in Sokoto to thank him and request reinforcements.
Dozie’s statement was issued on November 3, 2026, from the Service’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The agency also pointed to a case in Rivers State. It said it arrested Monday Udeme Steven on March 2, 2026, for threatening to attack the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The Service said it prosecuted Steven at a Federal High Court in Rivers State, where he was sentenced to two years in prison.
Dozie said the two operations reflected the Service’s efforts to protect all political parties and ran counter to Atiku’s allegation. The statement added that the claim could demoralise operatives who risk their lives on duty, and that the Director-General has ordered the investigation out of respect for Atiku as an elder statesman.
The statement also addressed a separate allegation by African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who accused the DSS of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria.
Dozie thanked the police for moving swiftly to investigate and arrest 11 suspects. According to the statement, a preliminary police report described the incident as an altercation.
The Service said it would await the police findings and devote no further effort to the matter. It also said it would remain accountable under its current Director-General.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
