DSS releases, compensates man wrongfully linked to Boko Haram

One Nura Idris, who has been wrongfully accused of association with Boko Haram insurgents, has now been released by the Department of State Services (DSS).

This comes after the department’s investigation panel reviewed his case and discovered that there is no evidence supporting any claims that Idris cooperated with the terrorists.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the release of Idris came after the order by Oluwatosin Ajayi, the director-general of the DSS, to release him and approve a N3 million compensation package for him to enable him get back on his feet.

The publication also noted that the DSS boss promised to support the Kaduna farmer in rebuilding his business.

A security source told the publication that Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba LGA of Kaduna state, was arrested in Suleja, Niger state, in June 2024 by another security agency due to alleged terrorist links before being handed over to the DSS custody.

The source revealed that after carrying out a detailed investigation of the case, the DSS review panel discovered that there is no basis for the claims against Idris.

Idris accepted the compensation offered to him.

“I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” the publication quoted him as saying.

His father, Yusuf Idris, also thanked the DSS director-general for the “compassion and generosity”, saying the compensation would be put to good use.

A security source said the agency usually 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 forms part of an internal review exercise initiated by the DSS last year to reassess inherited cases and ensure that innocent persons 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.”