DSS Reveals How Operatives Rescued ADC Candidate During Sokoto Attack

The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed allegations by former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the agency was planning to sponsor protests to disrupt the party’s campaign kickoff in Sokoto State.

The Service maintained that its responsibility was to provide security for all political parties and their candidates, insisting that the allegation did not reflect its operations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS disclosed that its Director-General had ordered an investigation into Atiku’s claims.

The agency, however, cautioned the former vice-president against making statements capable of undermining the morale of security personnel carrying out their duties.

Defending its activities in Sokoto, the DSS said its operatives rescued the ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31, 2026.

According to the agency, its personnel evacuated Daniya to safety without injuries during the incident. However, two DSS operatives were reportedly assaulted and sustained injuries, leaving them hospitalised for treatment.

The Service added that Daniya personally contacted the Sokoto State Director of the DSS to express appreciation for the intervention and requested additional security reinforcement.

The agency also cited its previous intervention involving the protection of political figures, recalling that it arrested Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over alleged threats to attack Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate.

The DSS said the suspect was subsequently prosecuted before the Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Service also responded to allegations by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who accused it of involvement in an attack against him in Ekiti State.

The DSS said it would await the outcome of the police investigation rather than engage in further public exchanges over the allegation.

It acknowledged the police response to the incident, noting that preliminary findings described it as an altercation and that 11 suspects had been arrested in connection with the matter.

The agency expressed appreciation for the police investigation and said it would allow the relevant authorities to complete their inquiries before making further comments.

The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to accountability under its current Director-General, insisting that it would continue to discharge its responsibility of protecting political actors and maintaining national security.