The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of two journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, made this known in a statement on Sunday, appreciating the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his swift intervention and commitment to press freedom.
Marcus and Jang were arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, after posting a video showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives.
Abdullahi said the DG’s decision to order their immediate release, personally apologise, and direct operatives to verify information before making arrests represents a positive shift in the culture of Nigeria’s security institutions.
He noted that the willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors and commit to reforms will help build public trust and confidence in the agency.
The NUJ also urged the DSS and other security agencies to sustain this approach by ensuring officers respect journalists’ rights and face sanctions when they act unprofessionally.
The Union reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with security institutions to promote professionalism, accountability, and the protection of press freedom.
