ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Department of State Services (DSS) has strongly denied allegations made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who claimed the secret police was plotting to orchestrate protests in Sokoto State.
In a press release issued on November 3, 2026, by Favour Dozie, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the DSS described the claims as contradictory to its ongoing efforts to safeguard political actors across all party lines.
Clashes and Rescue in Sokoto
Countering Abubakar’s allegations, the DSS disclosed details of a life-saving operation conducted in Sokoto just days prior. According to the intelligence agency, DSS operatives intervened during an attack on October 31, 2026, to safely evacuate the ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, who escaped unhurt.
The agency revealed that the operation came at a cost, noting that two DSS operatives sustained injuries during the assault and are currently undergoing hospital treatment. Following the incident, Daniya reportedly reached out directly to the State Director of the Sokoto Command to express his gratitude and formally requested additional security reinforcements.
Probe Ordered Despite Denials
Despite dismissing the claims as demoralising to its field officers, the Director-General of the DSS has ordered a formal internal investigation into Abubakar’s allegations, citing respect for his status as an elder statesman.
To demonstrate its institutional neutrality, the DSS pointed to previous enforcement actions aimed at protecting opposition figures. The agency highlighted the March 2, 2026, arrest of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State, who was prosecuted and sentenced to two years in prison for issuing violent threats against New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Updates on Sowore Ekiti Incident
The briefing also addressed separate complaints made by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding a recent attack on his convoy in Ekiti State.
The DSS expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force for their swift intervention, referencing a preliminary police report that classified the encounter as an “altercation.” The police have since taken 11 suspects into custody. The DSS stated it would await the final outcome of the police investigation rather than expend further institutional energy on the matter.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation from the national headquarters that the service remains fully accountable and committed to democratic neutrality under its current leadership.
