The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nura Idris, a Kaduna state farmer after an internal review found no evidence linking him to Boko Haram activities.
The decision was approved by Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the director-general of the DSS who also authorised the payment of ₦3 million to the former detainee to support his immediate needs and assist him in rebuilding his livelihood.
Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna state, was arrested by another security agency in Suleja, Niger state, in June 2024 over alleged terrorist links before he was transferred to DSS custody for further investigation.
According to security sources, a comprehensive review conducted by a DSS investigation panel established that the allegations against Idris were unfounded, prompting the director-general to order his immediate release.
Speaking after regaining his freedom, Idris expressed gratitude to the DSS leadership, saying the financial support would help him restart his life.
“I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” he said.
Yusuf Idris, his father also commended the DSS director-general for what he described as compassion and generosity, assuring that the compensation would be used judiciously.
Security sources disclosed that the Service also provides psychological and medical support to some released detainees before helping them establish businesses as part of efforts to facilitate their reintegration into society.
The release is part of an internal review exercise initiated by the DSS to reassess inherited and prolonged detention cases, with the aim of ensuring that individuals wrongfully detained are freed.
According to the Service, the initiative reflects its commitment to accountability, justice and respect for the rights of citizens while safeguarding national security.
The review has also led to the release and compensation of several other detainees, including Sunday Ifedi, who received ₦10 million after being cleared of alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The DSS also plans to rebuild a restaurant belonging to his late wife, Calista Ifedi, who died in custody.
The Service further disclosed that Abuja businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe and Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor were among those released after separate reviews, while five other detainees cleared of alleged IPOB links each received ₦2 million in compensation.
Last month, Ya’u Mohammed of Yobe State was also freed after investigations established he had no connection to terrorism and was provided with ₦2 million to support his reintegration.
According to security sources, more than 30 detention cases have so far been reviewed under the exercise, with over ₦300 million paid as compensation to affected individuals.