The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nura Idris, a Kaduna farmer who was wrongly accused of having links to Boko Haram insurgents, following an internal review that cleared him of all allegations.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, a DSS investigative panel found no evidence to support claims that Idris had collaborated with terrorists, leading to his release.

The publication reported that the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered Idris’ immediate freedom and approved a N3 million compensation package to help him rebuild his life. Ajayi also reportedly pledged support to assist the farmer in reviving his business.

A security source said Idris, a farmer and livestock breeder from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 by another security agency over alleged terrorist connections before being handed over to the DSS.

Following a detailed investigation, the DSS review panel reportedly found no basis for the allegations against him.

Speaking after receiving the compensation, Idris expressed gratitude to the DSS leadership.

“I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” he was quoted as saying.

His father, Yusuf Idris, also commended the DSS Director-General for what he described as compassion and generosity, adding that the compensation would be put to good use.

A security source disclosed that the DSS typically provides psychological and medical support to individuals found to have been wrongly detained before assisting them in establishing businesses of their choice.

The source added that Idris’ release is part of an ongoing internal review initiative launched by the agency last year to reassess inherited cases and ensure innocent individuals are not subjected to prolonged detention.

“The release and compensation of affected persons demonstrate the DSS’s commitment to institutional integrity and humane treatment,” the source said.

According to the source, the agency under its current leadership has continued to balance national security responsibilities with the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity.