The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of two journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, who were recently arrested while on duty.
The journalists were reportedly detained after posting a video on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives during the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, said the Union welcomed the swift intervention of the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who ordered their immediate release.
He said Ajayi personally reached out to the NUJ to convey his apologies and reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests.
Abdullahi described the gesture as a positive shift in the operational culture of security institutions in Nigeria, noting that the willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors and take corrective action was commendable.
“This development reflects a commendable step toward strengthening public trust and confidence in the DSS,” he said.
The NUJ president urged the DSS to sustain the new approach by ensuring that the rights of journalists and other citizens were fully respected at all times.
“Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties,” Abdullahi said.
He, however, called on the DSS and other security agencies to institutionalise accountability mechanisms that would ensure erring officers were sanctioned to deter future violations.
Abdullahi said only by enforcing discipline within the ranks could progress be sustained and public confidence in state institutions strengthened.
He reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to constructive engagement with security institutions to foster mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and safeguard both press freedom and national security.
The NUJ also urged journalists across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.
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