The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of its colleagues, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State.
It announced the commendation in a press release made available to journalists on Sunday signed by Mr Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, National President of the NUJ.
The two journalists were arrested while covering the funeral ceremony of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
The DSS detained the two journalists following the posting of a video report on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral.
Their arrest caused deep concern within the journalism community, which, according to the union, represented an infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to perform their lawful duties.
The statement reads in part, “We are, however, encouraged by the decisive intervention of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, who ordered their immediate release, personally reached out to the NUJ to convey his apologies, and reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests.”
The NUJ further recognised that the gesture reflects a positive and commendable shift in the culture of the nation’s security institutions, adding that the willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an essential step in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency.
Therefore, it urged the DSS to sustain this new approach and ensure that the rights of journalists and other citizens are fully respected at all times.
The Union added that press freedom is the bedrock of democracy and that journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties.
“While we commend this positive development, we call on the DSS and all security agencies to institutionalise accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic values and constitutional rights. Only by enforcing discipline within the ranks can such progress be consolidated,” the statement further read.
“On our part, the NUJ remains committed to constructive engagement with security institutions to strengthen mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and safeguard both press freedom and national security,” it promised, calling on members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.
