The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for ordering the release of two journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, from Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, Plateau State.
According to the report, the journalists had been detained after sharing a video on social media that captured a clash between a cleric and security personnel during the funeral of the mother of APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, confirmed their release, attributing it to the intervention of DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.
Abdullahi said the union noted the DG’s directive to operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests and his assurance of respect for citizens’ rights in the discharge of duties.
He urged the DSS to sustain the gesture by ensuring that journalists are allowed to operate freely without intimidation, adding that press freedom remains vital to democracy.
The NUJ president also called on security agencies to establish accountability systems that will sanction erring officers and prevent future violations of journalists’ rights.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to working with security institutions to promote professionalism, national security, and respect for constitutional freedoms.
