The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into an allegation by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the agency planned to organise protests in Sokoto State.
The Service, however, denied the allegation, describing it as inconsistent with its operations and maintaining that it had continued to provide security protection for political figures across party lines.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the DSS said its operatives in Sokoto had recently rescued the ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Dan’iya, during an attack on October 31.
The statement, signed by the Service’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said the operatives evacuated Dan’iya to safety without injuries.
However, the agency disclosed that two of its personnel were assaulted during the incident and were still receiving medical treatment at the time the statement was issued.
According to the DSS, Dan’iya subsequently contacted the State Director of the Service in Sokoto to appreciate the intervention and request additional security reinforcement.
The agency said Atiku’s allegation contradicted its efforts to protect political actors and could demoralise personnel risking their lives while carrying out their duties.
Despite rejecting the allegation, the DSS said its Director-General had directed an investigation into the matter in deference to the former Vice-President.
The Service also cited its intervention during a separate security incident involving former Labour Party presidential candidate and New Democratic Congress (NDC) figure, Peter Obi, as evidence of its commitment to protecting political actors irrespective of their affiliations.
The investigation is expected to examine Atiku’s allegation, while the DSS maintains that its security operations are intended to protect political actors across party lines.
Deborah Adeyefa
