The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that the agency was recruiting protesters to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign activities in Sokoto State.

Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, had accused the DSS leadership of mobilising protesters to cause disorder in the state and create grounds for the imposition of a curfew that could prevent the party’s scheduled campaign rally.

He made the allegation while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, claiming that protesters had been assembled at an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks conveying them to strategic locations, including a roundabout.

Atiku alleged that the protesters were causing traffic congestion, threatening commuters and assaulting some residents. He also accused the Sokoto State Government of restricting the opposition party’s access to public facilities and withholding logistical support for its campaign.

However, the DSS, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, described the allegation as inconsistent with the agency’s operations to protect political actors across party lines.

The agency disclosed that its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, had nevertheless ordered an investigation into the allegation in consideration of Atiku’s concerns.

The DSS cited an incident on October 31, when its operatives reportedly rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, during an attack.

According to the agency, its personnel evacuated Daniya to safety, while two DSS operatives assaulted during the incident were still receiving medical treatment. It added that the governorship candidate subsequently contacted the state director of the service to appreciate the intervention and request additional security reinforcement.

The agency also referenced the arrest of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over an alleged threat to attack New Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi.

It said Steven was prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

The DSS maintained that the incidents demonstrated its commitment to protecting political actors irrespective of their party affiliations, although it acknowledged the need to investigate Atiku’s allegation.

The service also referred to a similar accusation by African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who had alleged its involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.

It said the police conducted a preliminary investigation that attributed the incident to an altercation and led to the arrest of 11 suspects. The DSS added that it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to accountability under its current leadership.