The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into an allegation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the agency planned to organise protests in Sokoto State.
The service, however, dismissed the allegation, saying its operatives were deployed to protect the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the state, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, and signed by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said its operatives evacuated Daniya to safety during the incident.
The agency added that two of its operatives were assaulted during the attack and were still receiving medical treatment.
According to the statement, Daniya personally contacted the Sokoto State Director of the DSS to express appreciation and requested additional security reinforcement.
The service also cited its arrest and prosecution of a man, Monday Udeme Steven, in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, for allegedly threatening to attack the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Peter Obi.
It said Steven was prosecuted at a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years in prison.
The DSS maintained that its operations were aimed at protecting political actors across party lines, but said the allegation against the agency could demoralise operatives risking their lives in the line of duty.
Despite its position, the service said its Director-General had directed an investigation into Atiku's allegation.
The agency also referred to a separate allegation by African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who accused the DSS of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.
It said it welcomed the police investigation into the incident, which it described as having been preliminarily attributed to an altercation, with 11 suspects arrested.
The DSS said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and would not expend further effort on the matter.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to accountability under its current Director-General.
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