The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has highly commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its decisive and prompt action in releasing two journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos. The journalists were detained while carrying out their professional duties, covering a funeral event in Plateau State. Their arrest stemmed from posting a video report on social media that depicted a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral of the late mother of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This incident sparked significant concern throughout the media community, with many perceiving it as a direct infringement on press freedom and an attempt to intimidate journalists in the lawful discharge of their duties. The detention was widely decried as undermining the constitutional rights afforded to journalists. However, the situation saw a positive resolution following the intervention of Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General of the DSS.

In a statement released on Sunday, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ National President, expressed profound relief at the swift release of Marcus and Jang. He lauded Mr. Ajayi’s personal involvement, noting that the DSS DG not only ordered the immediate release of the journalists but also personally reached out to the NUJ to apologize for the incident. Furthermore, Mr. Ajayi reaffirmed his strong commitment to upholding press freedom and reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making any arrests.

President Abdullahi described the DSS leadership’s actions as a “positive and commendable shift” in the culture of Nigeria’s security institutions. He emphasized that “The willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency.” The NUJ urged the DSS to sustain this new, commendable approach and ensure that the rights of journalists and all citizens are fully respected at all times, reiterating that press freedom is the bedrock of democracy and journalists must never be treated as adversaries.

While welcoming this significant development, the NUJ also called for greater accountability within all security agencies. The union stressed the imperative need to institutionalize discipline by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic values and infringe upon constitutional rights. “Only by enforcing discipline within the ranks can such progress be consolidated,” Abdullahi added. The NUJ also reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with security institutions to foster mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and simultaneously safeguard both press freedom and national security. In closing, the union encouraged its members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their vital duties.