The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has lauded the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, for intervening in the release of two detained journalists, Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang, from Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, Plateau State.
Marcus and Jang were reportedly arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their detention followed a social media video report that captured a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the event.
In a statement released on Sunday, NUJ National President Alhassan Abdullahi described their swift release as “a positive and commendable shift” in the attitude of Nigeria’s security agencies toward the press.
“The prompt intervention by Mr. Ajayi, which not only ensured the journalists’ freedom but was also accompanied by a public apology and a directive to operatives to exercise due diligence before making arrests, is worthy of commendation,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that the DSS leadership’s openness to admit mistakes and commit to reform represents a welcome step toward rebuilding public trust in the agency.
“Such actions reflect a growing culture of accountability and respect for human rights within our security institutions,” he added.
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While appreciating the development, Abdullahi urged the DSS to institutionalize this new approach and ensure that journalists and other citizens are treated with fairness and respect in the course of their duties.
“Press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy,” he said. “Journalists should never be seen as adversaries but as partners in strengthening governance and promoting transparency.”
The NUJ president also called for disciplinary measures against security personnel who engage in actions that violate democratic norms or impede press freedom, emphasizing the union’s commitment to continuous dialogue with security agencies to foster mutual respect and professional conduct.
He concluded by urging journalists nationwide to remain courageous, vigilant, and professional as they carry out their constitutional responsibilities.