DSS Opens Investigation Into Atiku’s Allegation Of Planned Protest In Sokoto

The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into an allegation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the secret police planned to organise protests in Sokoto State.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had accused the service of plotting to organise protests in the state.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the DSS said the allegation contradicted its operations to protect political actors across party lines.

The statement, signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said DSS operatives deployed to protect the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Dan’iya, evacuated him to safety during an attack on October 31, 2026.

It added that two DSS operatives were assaulted during the incident and were still receiving treatment in hospital.

According to the service, Dan’iya personally contacted the Sokoto State Director of the DSS to appreciate the operatives for their intervention and requested additional security reinforcement.

The DSS said the incident demonstrated its commitment to protecting political actors irrespective of their party affiliations.

It, however, said the allegation by Atiku could demoralise operatives risking their lives in the discharge of their duties.

Despite its position, the service said its Director-General had ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the former vice president.

The DSS also cited its arrest and prosecution of a man identified as Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, for allegedly threatening to attack the presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.

It said Steven was prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

The service also recalled a similar allegation by the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who accused it of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.

The DSS said it welcomed the police investigation into the incident, adding that a preliminary report attributed the attack to an altercation and that 11 suspects had been arrested.

It said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and would not expend further energy on the matter.

The service reaffirmed its commitment to accountability under its current Director-General.