By Our Reporter
The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the agency was recruiting protesters to disrupt a political rally in Sokoto State.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had alleged that the DSS was mobilising protesters to cause disturbances and create a situation that could lead to the imposition of a curfew, thereby preventing the rally from holding.
In a statement on Tuesday, the secret police said its Director-General had directed an investigation into the allegation in deference to Atiku, although it described the claim as inconsistent with the agency’s operations.
The DSS defended its record, insisting that its operatives had continued to provide security protection to political actors across party lines, regardless of their political affiliations.
As evidence, the agency cited its recent intervention involving the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, who was reportedly attacked on October 31, 2026.
According to the DSS, its operatives deployed to protect Daniya evacuated him to safety during the incident, while two of its personnel who were assaulted in the process were still receiving medical treatment in hospital.
The agency added that Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to appreciate the operatives for their intervention and subsequently requested additional security reinforcement.
The Service also cited its handling of a threat against the New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Rivers State.
It disclosed that it arrested and prosecuted Monday Udeme Steven on March 2, 2026, over threats to attack Obi.
The suspect was subsequently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, according to the agency.
The DSS argued that its interventions to protect political figures from different parties contradicted Atiku’s allegation, warning that such claims could undermine the morale of personnel risking their lives to protect citizens.
The agency also recalled a similar allegation by the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who accused the Service of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.
It said it appreciated the police for conducting a prompt investigation, which produced a preliminary report attributing the incident to an altercation and led to the arrest of 11 suspects.
The DSS said it was awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation and would not expend further energy on the matter.
It, however, reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and professionalism under its current Director-General.