DSS Dismisses Atiku’s Allegation of Plot to Disrupt ADC Rally in Sokoto, Orders Probe

By Correspondent

The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed allegations by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the secret police was plotting to disrupt the party’s campaign rally in Sokoto State, insisting that it remained committed to protecting politicians across party lines.

The agency, however, said it had ordered an investigation into the allegation despite describing it as inconsistent with its record of providing security protection to opposition politicians.

Atiku had, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, accused the DSS leadership of allegedly recruiting protesters to cause disorder in Sokoto and create grounds for imposing a curfew to frustrate the ADC’s planned rally.

The former vice president claimed that the protesters were being mobilised from an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks allegedly positioned at strategic locations, including a roundabout.

He further alleged that the protesters were creating traffic congestion, threatening commuters and assaulting residents as part of a coordinated attempt to disrupt the opposition party’s activities.

Describing the alleged involvement of security operatives as political interference, Atiku urged the DSS to maintain its neutrality and refrain from actions capable of undermining democratic participation.

“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform,” he said.

“Security agencies exist to protect Nigerians and uphold the law, not to recruit protesters or help a political party manufacture a crisis.”

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday night and signed by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said it had taken note of Atiku’s allegations but maintained that its operational record contradicted the claims.

The agency cited an incident involving the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, on October 31, 2026, when its operatives allegedly rescued him during an attack.

According to the DSS, its personnel evacuated Daniya to safety without injury, although two operatives sustained injuries after being assaulted during the incident and were still receiving medical attention.

The agency disclosed that Daniya subsequently contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to express appreciation for the intervention and requested additional security reinforcement.

The statement said: “For the records, DSS operatives deployed to Sokoto ADC Governorship Candidate, Mannir Daniya, evacuated him to safety unhurt on 31st October 2026 when attacked in Sokoto.

“Two DSS operatives were assaulted during the incident and are still being treated in the hospital. The governorship candidate called personally to appreciate the State Director of Sokoto Command and even requested for reinforcement from the DSS.”

The secret police also referenced its arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over alleged threats to attack the presidential candidate of the Nigeria 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 DSS argued that its interventions in protecting politicians, irrespective of their political affiliations, demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding the democratic process.

It nevertheless acknowledged the seriousness of Atiku’s position, disclosing that the Director-General of the Service had ordered an investigation into the allegations.

“Though these operations to protect all political parties are at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralise our gallant operatives who are risking their lives in the line of duty, the DGDSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman,” the statement added.

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

According to the Service, a preliminary police investigation attributed the incident to an altercation, resulting in the arrest of 11 suspects.

The DSS said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and would not devote further attention to the matter.

“The Service will continue to remain accountable under the present DG,” it stated.