NUJ Commends DSS for Release of Jay FM Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for ordering the release of two Plateau State-based journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, who were detained in connection with their coverage of a public confrontation between a cleric and security operatives.

The journalists, both staff members of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, were arrested shortly after posting a video clip on social media that captured the incident. The confrontation reportedly occurred during the funeral of the late mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe. The arrest sparked outcry from media rights groups and civil society organisations, who described the action as an infringement on press freedom.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, confirmed that the journalists were released following the personal intervention of the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi. Abdullahi said the intervention demonstrated leadership and a willingness to protect the rights of citizens, especially members of the press, in line with constitutional provisions.

“The DSS Director-General’s decision to direct the release of our colleagues is a welcome development. It shows a commitment to due process and a recognition of the critical role journalists play in promoting transparency, accountability, and democracy in Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.

The NUJ President went further to commend the DSS boss for instructing his operatives to conduct thorough investigations before effecting arrests. He noted that such directives would not only reduce arbitrary detentions but also strengthen public confidence in security institutions. According to him, the assurances given by Mr. Ajayi to respect citizens’ rights mark a positive step toward improving the relationship between security agencies and the media.

Abdullahi, however, urged the DSS and other security agencies to ensure that this positive gesture is sustained beyond this particular incident. He warned that recurring cases of intimidation and harassment of journalists must be addressed with firmness, stressing that no democracy can thrive without a free and independent press.

“Journalists are not enemies of the state; they are partners in nation-building. It is therefore imperative for security agencies to see the press as allies rather than adversaries,” he added.

The NUJ President also called for stronger accountability mechanisms across all security institutions to check the excesses of officers who abuse their powers. He recommended that erring operatives be sanctioned swiftly to serve as a deterrent to others, noting that impunity against journalists remains one of the greatest threats to press freedom in Nigeria.

In addition, Abdullahi reaffirmed the union’s commitment to continuous engagement and dialogue with security agencies at all levels. He explained that the NUJ is open to collaboration that would foster professionalism, strengthen national security, and protect constitutional freedoms guaranteed to citizens.

The release of Marcus and Jang has been widely welcomed by journalists, civil society groups, and human rights advocates, many of whom had mounted pressure on the DSS to act swiftly. Observers say the case once again highlights the fragile state of press freedom in Nigeria, where media practitioners often face harassment, intimidation, and threats while carrying out their duties.

With this development, the NUJ has expressed hope that the incident would serve as a turning point in the relationship between journalists and security agencies, promoting an environment where freedom of expression and democratic values can thrive.