Nura Idris is going home. The Department of State Services has freed the herder after determining he had no links to terrorism.
Idris was arrested in Suleja, Niger State, back in June 2024. Officials suspected him of connections to Boko Haram militants.
DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi ordered his release following an internal investigation. The review panel found no evidence whatsoever against him.
Ajayi went further with his decision. He approved N3 million in immediate financial support for the wrongly detained man.
The director-general also directed that Idris receive help establishing a business. This marks part of a broader rehabilitation effort by the agency.
Idris hails from Soba Local Government Area in Kaduna State. He works as both a herder and farmer.
A senior DSS official explained the circumstances to our reporters. Another security agency had originally arrested Idris before transferring him to DSS custody.
The comprehensive case review found no basis for the terrorism allegations. This prompted the immediate release and compensation approval.
Upon receiving the money, Idris expressed his gratitude publicly. "I thank the DGSS for his kindness," he told sources close to the agency.
According to him, his treatment in DSS custody was fair. He prayed that Allah would reward the director-general abundantly.
His father, Yusuf Idris, welcomed him upon release with emotion. The elder thanked Ajayi for what he called genuine compassion and generosity.
Yusuf assured that the compensation money would be used wisely. He expressed confidence in his son's ability to rebuild.
DSS officials typically provide more than just cash compensation. Psychological support and medical care precede business establishment assistance.
An internal review exercise began at DSS last year. The initiative aimed to reassess prolonged cases inherited from previous administrations.
Wrongfully detained persons are being identified and released systematically. The effort ensures innocent people don't languish unnecessarily.
Multiple cases have seen releases and compensation awards recently. Sources credit the current leadership with fostering institutional integrity.
According to insiders, national security protection must balance citizens' rights. Ajayi's tenure has emphasized safeguarding human dignity alongside security.
Another notable case involved Sunday Ifedi and his wife, Calista. They were arrested on November 8, 2021, at the Wawa facility.
Three years passed before the current director-general took office in August 2024. Only then did their case receive serious review attention.
Sunday Ifedi was released on December 16, 2025, after clearing. A review panel found no ties to the proscribed IPOB group.
Ajayi approved N10 million as compensation for Ifedi. The amount reflected the severity of his wrongful detention.
Tragically, Ifedi's wife Calista died while in DSS custody. Her death occurred at the Wawa detention facility.
DSS leadership is now planning to rebuild Calista's restaurant. The initiative honors her memory and compensates Ifedi for her loss.
Officials say the restaurant was targeted over IPOB patronage claims. That allegation led directly to the couple's arrest in 2021.
