“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,…
By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has commended the Department of State Services, DSS, for the prompt release of two detained journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, and for its renewed commitment to upholding press freedom in Nigeria.
Both journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang were picked up last week while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, in Plateau State.
Their arrest followed the posting of a video report on social media that captured a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the event.
In a statement signed by NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union described the incident as a disturbing infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to perform their lawful duties. However, the NUJ expressed appreciation for the intervention of the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who ordered the immediate release of the journalists and personally apologised to the union.
According to the NUJ, Mr. Ajayi also directed DSS operatives to ensure thorough investigations before making arrests, a move the union said demonstrates “a positive and commendable shift in the culture of our security institutions.”
“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 statement read.
The NUJ urged the DSS to sustain this new approach by ensuring that the rights of journalists and other citizens are respected at all times. It emphasised that press freedom remains the bedrock of democracy, and that journalists should never be treated as adversaries for carrying out their constitutional duties.
While commending the DSS for its response, the union also called for stronger institutional accountability within security agencies. It urged that officers whose actions undermine democratic values and citizens’ rights should face appropriate sanctions to consolidate ongoing reforms.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with security institutions to promote mutual understanding, professionalism, and the protection of both press freedom and national security.
“We urge our members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties,” Abdullahi added.
About The Author
