DSS frees Kaduna farmer cleared of terrorism allegations, gets N3m compensation

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a Kaduna-based farmer and herder, Nura Idris, after an extensive internal investigation found no evidence linking him to the terrorist group Boko Haram.

In a move described as part of the agency’s commitment to justice and accountability, the DSS also paid Idris an immediate compensation of N3 million to support his reintegration into society and help him rebuild his life after his prolonged detention.

According to security sources, Idris, an indigene of Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was initially arrested by another security agency in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 over allegations that he had connections with Boko Haram. He was subsequently transferred to the custody of the DSS for further investigation.

Following a comprehensive review of the case by an internal investigation panel, the DSS reportedly established that there was no credible evidence to substantiate the allegations against him.

Based on the panel’s findings, the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, directed Idris’ immediate release and approved the payment of N3 million to enable him to meet his immediate needs as he returns to civilian life.

Beyond the financial compensation, the DSS Director-General also pledged to assist Idris in rebuilding his livestock business, which reportedly suffered significant losses during his detention. The support forms part of the agency’s efforts to facilitate his economic recovery and smooth reintegration into society.

Speaking after regaining his freedom and receiving the compensation, Idris expressed appreciation to the leadership of the DSS, describing the gesture as life-changing.

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He said the financial support would provide him with the opportunity to restart his livelihood and care for his family after months of uncertainty.

His father, Yusuf Idris, also commended the DSS for what he described as a compassionate and humane decision. He expressed gratitude to the agency for thoroughly reviewing the case and ensuring that justice prevailed, assuring that the compensation would be judiciously utilized.

Security sources disclosed that Idris’ release is part of an ongoing internal review initiative by the DSS aimed at reassessing inherited and prolonged detention cases to ensure that individuals who have been wrongly detained are identified and released without delay.

The review exercise, which has reportedly been ongoing under the current leadership of the agency, is designed to strengthen public confidence in the nation’s security institutions while ensuring that innocent citizens are not unjustly deprived of their freedom.

Sources further revealed that the initiative has already resulted in the release of several other detainees who were subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing, with some also receiving compensation and reintegration support to help them rebuild their lives.

The development underscores the DSS’s renewed emphasis on balancing national security responsibilities with the protection of citizens’ rights, while ensuring that investigations are guided by credible evidence and due process.