The State Security Service (SSS) has released Nura Idris, a herder from Kaduna State, after two years of detention for alleged links to the Boko Haram terror group. Following a thorough review of his case, the SSS found no evidence to support the charges and compensated him with N3 million to meet his immediate needs, according to a statement by the service spokesperson, Dozie Favour, on Saturday.
Arrest and Detention
Mr Idris was arrested by a sister security agency in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024, on suspicion of terrorist links, and subsequently transferred to SSS custody. The investigation panel concluded there was no basis for the allegations, leading SSS Director General Oluwatosin Ajayi to order his immediate release and payment of compensation. Mr Ajayi also pledged to support the herder in his business.
Reaction and Gratitude
Upon release, Mr Idris expressed gratitude to the DGSS, saying, “I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely.” His father, Yusuf, who received him, also thanked the DGSS for his compassion and assured that the compensation would be used wisely.
Internal Review Exercise
The release is part of an internal review exercise initiated by the SSS last year. The exercise aims to reassess prolonged inherited cases to ensure that erroneously detained individuals do not remain in detention. The service under Mr Ajayi has demonstrated that safeguarding national security must go hand in hand with upholding citizens’ rights and dignity.
Similar Cases
The agency recalled the case of Sunday Ifedi and his wife, Calista, arrested on 8 November 2021 and detained at the Wawa detention facility. Following a comprehensive review ordered by the Director-General, Mr Ifedi was found to have no ties with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and was released on 16 December 2025. He received N10 million as compensation for wrongful detention. Additionally, the SSS has commenced plans to rebuild a restaurant in memory of Mrs Ifedi, who died in custody, after the allegation that her restaurant was patronised by IPOB members could not be substantiated.
The SSS reported that more than 30 cases have been reviewed, with over N300 million paid as compensation to individuals wrongfully detained. In October 2025, the service ordered the release of Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe and approved N10 million compensation after a case review. Similarly, Kenneth Nwafor, arrested in July 2022 for alleged IPOB involvement, was released after investigations found no such links. Five other detainees wrongfully associated with IPOB were also released, each receiving N2 million compensation.
More recently, the SSS released Ya’u Mohammed, a Yobe State resident, after investigations confirmed no connection to terrorism. He received an initial reintegration support package worth N2 million to facilitate his rehabilitation and restoration of livelihood.
