DSS Apologises to NUJ Sokoto Over Journalist’s Assault, Promises Sanctions Against Officers

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Department of State Services (DSS), Sokoto State Command, has apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, over the alleged assault on one of its members, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Bello.

The Service also promised to take appropriate administrative action against the personnel involved in the incident.

The apology was conveyed by a high-level DSS delegation comprising three Deputy Directors and the Chief Detail of the Sokoto State Government House, who visited the NUJ State Council leadership to express regret over the incident.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Chairman of NUJ Sokoto State Council, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji.

According to the statement, the DSS delegation emphasised that the incident was neither intended nor authorised by the Service, stressing that it had no directive to humiliate, intimidate or harass journalists carrying out their legitimate professional duties.

The delegation assured the NUJ leadership that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence and confirmed that appropriate administrative sanctions would be imposed on the personnel found responsible.

The DSS representatives also acknowledged the cordial working relationship between the Service and the media, expressing their commitment to strengthening cooperation and sustaining mutual respect.

In its response, the NUJ Sokoto State Council welcomed the apology and assurances, describing them as important steps towards resolving the matter and preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible journalism and maintaining a professional working relationship with security agencies and other stakeholders.

However, it stressed that the safety, dignity and freedom of journalists must be respected at all times, particularly while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities of informing the public and holding institutions accountable.

The Council further underscored the need for security agencies to recognise the legitimate role of the media in a democratic society and ensure that journalists can discharge their professional duties without intimidation, harassment or assault.