DSS Denies Atiku Sokoto Protest Claims, Begins Internal Inquiry

• The Department of State Services (DSS) denied former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's claim that it planned protests in Sokoto State.
• Despite the denial, the DSS Director-General ordered an investigation into Atiku Abubakar's allegations out of respect for him.
• The DSS cited an incident where its operatives protected ADC candidate Mannir Daniya in Sokoto, with two operatives injured.
• The agency also highlighted the arrest and two-year imprisonment of Monday Udeme Steven for threatening presidential candidate Peter Obi.
• The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and protecting politicians across party lines, arguing Atiku's claim could demoralize its personnel.

Despite its outright denial, the DSS confirmed that its Director-General has initiated an internal inquiry into the matter.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has firmly rejected assertions made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Mr. Abubakar had claimed that the DSS was orchestrating protests within Sokoto State. The security agency characterized these allegations as fundamentally inconsistent with its operational mandate and established practices.

Despite its outright denial, the DSS confirmed that its Director-General has initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. This decision was made, according to the Service, out of deference and respect for the former vice president. The official statement, released on a Tuesday by Favour Dozie, the Deputy Director for Public Relations and Strategic Communications, aimed to clarify the agency's position and address the serious nature of the accusations.

To counter the Sokoto State protest claims, the Department of State Services Nigeria detailed an incident that occurred on October 31, 2026, involving Mannir Daniya, the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State. DSS operatives, assigned to protect Mr. Daniya, successfully evacuated him to safety during an attack. While Mr. Daniya emerged from the incident unharmed, two DSS operatives sustained injuries during the assault and were receiving medical treatment at the time the statement was issued.

Following this event, Mr. Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the Service in Sokoto to express his gratitude for their timely intervention and subsequently requested additional security reinforcement. This incident, the DSS argued, exemplifies its commitment to protecting political figures across the spectrum. Further illustrating its non-partisan approach, the Service referenced the arrest and subsequent prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026. Steven was apprehended for allegedly issuing threats against Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and was later sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Rivers State.

The DSS emphasized that its consistent operations, which involve safeguarding politicians from various parties, directly contradict the nature of Atiku Abubakar allegations DSS. The agency expressed concern that such claims could potentially undermine the morale of its dedicated operatives who routinely put their lives at risk in the line of duty. Nevertheless, the DSS Director-General investigation was ordered as a gesture of respect towards the former vice president, reiterating the agency’s willingness to address high-profile accusations.

The Service also drew a parallel to a previous allegation made by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), who claimed involvement of the DSS in an attack he experienced in Ekiti State. In that instance, the DSS acknowledged and appreciated the police force's prompt investigation and preliminary report, which concluded that the incident was an altercation and led to the arrest of eleven suspects. The DSS stated its intention to await the final outcome of the police investigation in Sowore's case, indicating it would not dedicate further resources to the matter independently. The agency concluded by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to accountability under the leadership of its current Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, underscoring its public response strategy to allegations of political interference.

This development underscores the Nigerian Department of State Services' (DSS) public response strategy to allegations of political interference, demonstrating its willingness to initiate internal investigations even when denying claims. Lawyers advising political clients or engaged in public interest litigation should note this precedent regarding the DSS's accountability mechanisms and its handling of high-profile accusations.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica