The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, who were wrongfully arrested during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Saturday for the burial of the mother of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
The journalists — Ms. Ruth Marcus and Ms. Keshia Jang — were reportedly detained by some overzealous operatives while covering events around the presidential visit. However, they regained their freedom shortly after the incident came to the attention of the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.
A credible security source told reporters that upon learning of the arrests, Mr. Ajayi immediately ordered their unconditional release and personally reached out to the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, to tender the Service’s apology.
“The Director-General assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership deeply values press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy,” the source revealed. “He also directed a full investigation into the incident and promised that any operative found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary measures.”
The source further disclosed that Mr. Ajayi is determined to reform the agency and eliminate heavy-handed practices that have previously marred its public image.
“One of the issues the DG is tackling head-on is overzealousness among operatives,” the source said. “He has consistently admitted mistakes when they occur, and in several instances, the Service has gone as far as apologising and compensating victims of wrongful detention.”
Citing a recent example, the source recalled that the DSS had previously apologised to the management of TVC following the alleged harassment of one of its reporters — a gesture underscoring the agency’s evolving commitment to human rights and media freedom.
The prompt release and official apology mark a significant shift in tone from Nigeria’s domestic intelligence service, which has often been criticised for heavy-handed tactics against journalists and civil society actors.
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