Nigerian security agency frees man held for alleged terror links, pays compensation

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has ordered the release of Nura Idris, a man who had been detained on suspicion of links to Boko Haram. An internal review by the DSS reportedly found no evidence to substantiate the allegations against him. The decision marks a significant step in addressing potential miscarriages of justice within the security agency.

Idris, identified as a farmer and herder from Soba Local Government Area in Kaduna State, was initially arrested in June 2024 by another security agency in Suleja, Niger State. He was subsequently transferred to DSS custody. Following a thorough reassessment of his case by a DSS investigation review panel, no basis for the charges was found, leading to the DGSS's directive for his immediate release and compensation.

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Following a thorough review of Nura’s case, the DSS investigation panel found no basis for the charges against him, prompting the DGSS to order his immediate release and payment of compensation.

Beyond his release, Idris has been paid 3 million naira as immediate financial compensation. The DSS has also committed to providing further support to help him rebuild his livestock business. This gesture aims to assist in his reintegration into society and recovery from the ordeal. Security sources indicated that the DSS routinely offers psychological, medical, and reintegration support to individuals cleared after internal reviews.

This case is part of a broader internal review exercise initiated by the DSS to reassess inherited and prolonged detention cases. The initiative seeks to ensure that innocent individuals are not unjustly held in custody. The DSS also cited the case of Sunday Ifedi, who was released in December 2025 after allegations of links to the Indigenous People of Biafra were cleared. Ifedi received 10 million naira in compensation, and plans were underway to rebuild a restaurant in memory of his late wife, who died while in custody.

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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.