The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally denied allegations made by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, claiming the secret police was assembling sponsored protesters to disrupt the party’s campaign launch in Sokoto State.
Describing the claims as inconsistent with its operational mandates, the security agency reaffirmed its political neutrality while announcing that an internal investigation into the matter has been ordered by the Director-General of the DSS in deference to the former Vice President.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Atiku Abubakar accused the secret service of coordinating with local political interests to stage protests ahead of the ADC campaign event scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Atiku alleged that operatives were assembling protesters to create public disorder, providing a pretext for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Sokoto State Government to declare a curfew and halt the rally. He pointed specifically to an office complex behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road in Sokoto as the primary assembly point for the protesters.
Furthermore, he claimed that trucks were transporting these individuals to major transit hubs, including a prominent city roundabout, where they reportedly obstructed traffic, harassed motorists, and assaulted local residents.
Responding to the allegations in an official statement released on Tuesday evening from the agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications Favour Dozie refuted the claims.
Dozie noted that while operations to protect all political entities remain standard practice, accusations of this nature tend to demoralise operatives risking their lives in the line of duty. Nevertheless, the DSS confirmed that the leadership has directed an immediate internal inquiry to address the concerns raised.
To illustrate its non-partisan track record, the secret service highlighted several recent security interventions involving political figures across the country.
On October 31, 2026, DSS operatives intervened during an attack on the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, successfully evacuating him unhurt while two personnel sustained severe injuries during the clash. Following his rescue, Daniya contacted the State Director of the Sokoto Command to express appreciation and request additional security coverage.
The agency also referenced the March 2, 2026 arrest of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State following death threats made against New Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, a case that resulted in a two-year prison sentence handed down by a Federal High Court.
Additionally, the DSS clarified past accusations made by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding an incident in Ekiti State, noting that preliminary police investigations confirmed it was an uncoordinated altercation that led to the arrest of 11 suspects.
The agency maintained that it will remain transparent, professional, and accountable as its internal probe proceeds.
