The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has expressed deep concern over the recent allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar against the Department of State Services (DSS) over claim that the Agency was planning to disrupt political activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State.
It stressed that the DSS is not an institution belonging to any political party, administration or individual, adding that the Agency is a national institution whose responsibilities transcend electoral contests and political affiliations.
AYAGL stated that officers must be allowed to serve Nigerians fairly, professionally and without political interference, saying that while it recognised the right of every Nigerian, including political leaders, to express concerns and demand accountability from public institutions, it however noted that the allegations against an institution as critical to the nation’s security architecture as the DSS, must be approached with responsibility, caution and verifiable evidence.
A statement by Danbature Abdul-Hamid, President of the AYAGL emphasized that the DSS remains one of Nigeria’s most important national security institutions, with a fundamental responsibility to protect the country’s internal security, prevent threats to national stability, gather intelligence and safeguard citizens and democratic institutions.
Abdul-Hamid noted that the personnel of the DSS operate in challenging and often dangerous circumstances, frequently putting their lives at risk in the service of the nation.
The Arewa Youths particularly acknowledged the ongoing institutional reforms under the Director-General of the Service, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, whose leadership it noted has placed emphasis on professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, improved inter-agency collaboration and operational efficiency.
It further said that the reforms represent important steps towards strengthening public confidence in the Service and building an intelligence institution that is not only effective in carrying out its responsibilities, but also conscious of its obligations under democratic governance and the rule of law.
The AYAGL said that its members noted with appreciation the DSS’ recent response to the Sokoto incident, where its operatives reportedly rescued ADC governorship candidate, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31, 2026, despite having two of its personnel sustaining injuries in the process.
It further said; “This development underscores the importance of security institutions providing protection without discrimination, irrespective of political affiliation.
“Indeed, national security must never be subordinated to partisan interests. The protection of Nigerians, their freedom, democratic rights and the territorial integrity of the country must remain the overriding responsibility of every security institution”.
The AYAGL said that as an organisation committed to the welfare, security and development of Northern Nigeria, it is particularly concerned about any development capable of distracting security agencies from addressing the persistent security challenges confronting communities.
It noted that across several parts of Northern Nigeria, citizens continue to look towards the security architecture of the country for stronger protection against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism and other criminal activities.
According to AYAGL; “Our communities need intelligence-led operations, effective security coordination and sustained institutional commitment. The DSS has an important role to play in this regard, and its operational effectiveness should be encouraged rather than unnecessarily undermined.
“We therefore respectfully call on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to exercise restraint in his public comments concerning the DSS and allow the agency to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without unnecessary political distractions. Where there are genuine concerns, appropriate institutional channels should be explored, and credible investigations should be allowed to establish the facts.
“Furthermore, we advise the former Vice-President to devote greater attention to addressing the internal challenges, disagreements and questions of political cohesion within his own political platform, the African Democratic Congress.
“At a time when political parties are expected to demonstrate organisational discipline, internal democracy and unity of purpose ahead of the 2027 general elections, strengthening party cohesion should be a priority rather than allowing national security institutions to become subjects of recurring partisan exchanges.
“As 2027 approaches, we urge all political actors, particularly those aspiring to lead this country, to demonstrate maturity and a strong sense of patriotism,” it said.
AYAGL stated that political competition should be about ideas, policies, leadership capacity and the development of Nigeria, not the weakening of public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting the lives and security of citizens.
“For us in Northern Nigeria, the importance of a functional, professional and credible DSS cannot be overstated. We need the Service more than ever, given the security realities confronting our region. We will therefore not encourage any attempt, whether deliberate or otherwise, to turn the nation’s security institutions into instruments of political confrontation.
“At the same time, AYAGL believes that the DSS must continue to uphold transparency, professionalism, impartiality and accountability in all its operations. Defending an institution does not mean placing it above legitimate scrutiny; rather, it means encouraging it to perform its duties in accordance with the law and the highest standards of public service.
“Our position is simple: National security must be bigger than partisan politics, and the safety of Nigerians must take precedence over every political ambition.
“We commend the leadership and personnel of the DSS for their service to the nation and encourage them to remain focused, professional and impartial in the discharge of their responsibilities,” it said.
AYAGL said that Nigeria needs strong institutions, responsible political leadership and a united commitment to national security, stressing that Nigeria must not sacrifice these priorities on the altar of political disagreements.
