The Department of State Services, DSS, has rejected allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that it is sponsoring protests in Sokoto State to create unrest and provide justification for imposing a curfew that could disrupt the African Democratic Congress, ADC, campaign rally.
The secret police described the allegation as surprising, insisting that its recent activities in the state demonstrated its commitment to protecting politicians across party lines.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the DSS disclosed that two of its operatives were injured during an attack on the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, on October 31, 2026.
According to the agency, its personnel intervened during the incident and successfully evacuated Daniya from the scene without injuries. However, two operatives sustained injuries after being assaulted by the attackers and were subsequently taken to the hospital, where they are still receiving medical attention.
It said Atiku’s allegation contradicted the efforts of its operatives, who had risked their lives to protect an opposition politician.
Despite rejecting the accusation, the DSS disclosed that its Director-General had ordered an investigation into the matter, saying the decision was taken out of respect for the former Vice-President.
The agency also recalled its intervention in a separate security-related incident involving former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
It stated that on March 2, 2026, its operatives arrested Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State over threats to attack Obi, who was identified in the statement as a presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
The DSS said Udeme was subsequently prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and is currently serving his jail term.
DSS also addressed allegations by African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who had accused it of involvement in an attack against him in Ekiti State.
According to the DSS, the police responded promptly to the incident, conducted a preliminary investigation and arrested 11 suspects.
It said the initial police findings attributed the incident to an altercation, adding that it was awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation.
The agency maintained that it would not expend further energy on the Sowore allegation while awaiting the outcome of the police inquiry.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the DSS said it would continue to operate transparently and remain accountable under its current Director-General.
It added, “Though these operations to protect all political parties are at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralise our gallant operatives who are risking their lives in the line of duty, the DG DSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman.”
The Service added that its responsibility to protect lives and maintain national security remained its priority, irrespective of political affiliations.
