DSS Refutes Atiku’s Claim of Orchestrated Protests in Sokoto, Orders Inquiry

The Department of State Services (DSS) has publicly rejected former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar’s accusation that the secret police was organising protests in Sokoto State to create unrest ahead of an African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign rally. In statements released on 3‑4 November 2026, the agency described the allegation as “surprising” and inconsistent with its recent activities, which it says have focused on protecting politicians across party lines.

According to the DSS, its operatives intervened on 31 October 2026 when an attack targeted ADC governorship candidate Mannir Daniya in Sokoto. The service reported that Daniya was safely evacuated without injury, while two DSS personnel were assaulted and subsequently hospitalised. The candidate allegedly thanked the state director and requested additional security reinforcement.

In response to Atiku’s claim, the DSS said the Director‑General had ordered an internal investigation out of respect for the former vice‑president, even as the agency maintained that its operations aim to safeguard all political actors regardless of affiliation.

Background

Atiku Abubakar, now the ADC presidential candidate, alleged that the DSS was planning protests in Sokoto to justify a curfew that could hinder his party’s rally. The claim was made public in early November 2026 and prompted a swift rebuttal from the security agency. The DSS’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, issued a statement on 3 November 2026 outlining the agency’s recent protective actions.

The service highlighted its involvement in other high‑profile security incidents. In March 2026, DSS operatives arrested Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State for threatening former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who the agency identified as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate. Steven was later sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by a Federal High Court.

The DSS further cited a prior claim made by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), who alleged that the agency participated in an assault against him in Ekiti State. The police conducted a preliminary investigation, arrested eleven suspects, and attributed the incident to an altercation, with the DSS awaiting the final police report.

Why it matters

The dispute underscores tensions between Nigeria’s security apparatus and political figures ahead of the 2026 general elections. Atiku’s allegation, if believed, could suggest state‑level interference in the electoral process, potentially undermining confidence in the fairness of the campaign environment. Conversely, the DSS’s denial and its emphasis on protecting candidates from multiple parties aim to reassure the public and political actors that security forces remain neutral.

The injury of two DSS operatives during the attack on Daniya highlights the risks faced by security personnel in volatile regions. Their continued medical treatment, as reported by the agency, reflects the operational challenges of safeguarding political events in areas prone to violence.

What happens next

The DSS has launched an internal investigation into Atiku’s allegation, as ordered by its Director‑General. No timeline for the probe’s completion has been disclosed. The agency also indicated it will await the outcome of the police investigation into the Sowore incident before taking further action. Both investigations are expected to be monitored by political stakeholders and civil‑society observers as the election season progresses.