DSS releases, compensates herder arrested over alleged links to Boko Haram

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered the immediate release of a herdsman identified as Nura Idris who has been in its detention over alleged links to terrorist group, Boko Haram.

Idris was released after internal investigation review panel of the DSS cleared him of all allegations.

According to security source, the release of the suspect was ordered by the Director-General of DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who also approved a N3 million compensation package to assist his immediate reintegration into the society.

The DSS boss also pledged to support the Kaduna-born herder in rebuilding his business, according to security sources.

Idris, who is also a farmer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested by a sister security agency in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 over alleged terrorist links before being transferred to DSS custody.

But a comprehensive review of his case found no evidence connecting him to terrorism, prompting the DG to order his release and compensation, according to the sources.

Receiving the compensation, Idris expressed gratitude to the DSS boss, saying the money would help him rebuild his life. His father, Yusuf Idris, also thanked the DG for the gesture and assured that the support would be put to good use.

Sources disclosed that in such cases, the DSS also provides medical and psychological support to wrongfully detained persons before assisting them to restart businesses or other means of livelihood as part of their reintegration.

The release forms part of an internal review exercise initiated by the DSS last year to reassess inherited and prolonged detention cases, ensuring that innocent individuals are not held unjustly. According to sources, the exercise reflects the Service’s commitment to balancing national security with respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.

Recall that the current DSS leadership had released many suspects from detention after they were cleared of wrongdoing,

The beneficiaries of such gestures include Sunday Ifedi, who was cleared of alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after being detained since November 2021. He was released in December 2025 and awarded N10 million compensation.

Plans are also underway to rebuild a restaurant in memory of his late wife, Calista, who died while in detention, as part of efforts to support the family.

Other beneficiaries include Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, five other detainees wrongfully linked to IPOB, and Ya’u Mohammed of Yobe State, all of whom were released after investigations established their innocence and were provided financial support to aid their reintegration.

According to the sources, more than 30 wrongful detention cases have so far been reviewed, with over N300 million paid in compensation.

They added that the DSS will continue to strengthen public trust by ensuring that individuals found innocent are released promptly and supported in rebuilding their lives.