The Department of State Services (DSS) has set free one Nura Idris, who had been mistakenly linked to Boko Haram fighters, after an internal probe cleared him of any ties to the terror group.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the release came after a review by a DSS panel, which turned up no evidence backing claims that Idris worked with terrorists.
The publication said Oluwatosin Ajayi, the DSS director-general, directed that Idris be freed at once and signed off on a N3 million compensation package to help him rebuild his life.
It added that the DSS chief also promised to help the Kaduna farmer get his business back on its feet.
A security source told the publication that Idris — a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba LGA, Kaduna state — was picked up in Suleja, Niger state, in June 2024 by a different security outfit over suspected terror links, before being handed over to DSS custody.
The source said the DSS review panel later found no grounds for the allegations after a thorough probe into the matter.
Accepting the compensation, Idris voiced his gratitude to the DSS leadership:
“I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely.”
His father, Yusuf Idris, also expressed thanks to the DSS director-general for the “compassion and generosity,” noting that the compensation would be put to good use.
A security source explained that the agency typically follows up with people who were wrongfully held by offering psychological and medical support before assisting them in setting up businesses of their own choosing.
“When such cases are recorded, the DSS would usually follow up with the detainee, provide psychological and medical support, after which the agency would further set up any business of the victim’s choice,” the source said.
The source added that Idris’ release is part of an internal review process the DSS began last year to revisit inherited cases and prevent innocent people from languishing in detention.
“The setting free and compensations across multiple cases underscores the DSS’s growing reputation for institutional integrity and humanness,” the source added.
“The service under the current DG has continued to show that safeguarding national security and citizens must go hand in hand with upholding the rights and dignity of citizens.”