The Department of State Services (DSS) has freed Nura Idris after an internal investigation cleared him of allegations linking him to Boko Haram insurgents.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the DSS investigation panel found no evidence that Idris had any involvement with the terrorist group, leading to his release.
The publication reported that the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered Idris’ immediate release and approved a N3 million compensation package to help him rebuild his life. Ajayi also pledged to support the Kaduna farmer in restoring his business.
A security source disclosed that Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 by another security agency over alleged terrorist links before he was handed over to the DSS.
Following a thorough investigation, the DSS review panel reportedly found no basis for the allegations against him.
After receiving the compensation, Idris thanked the leadership of the agency, saying, “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 gratitude to the DSS Director-General for his “compassion and generosity”, adding that the compensation would be put to good use.
A security source further revealed that the DSS typically follows up with individuals who were wrongly detained by providing psychological and medical support before helping them establish businesses of their choice.
“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 exercise launched by the DSS last year to reassess inherited cases and ensure innocent people are not kept in prolonged 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.”
