DSS denies arresting writer Okey Ndibe, clarifies airport interaction as watchlist review
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Department of State Services DSS has denied reports of arresting or detaining writer and academic Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 1, 2026. According to a statement by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the interaction was part of a routine process to review and remove individuals from its watchlist. The DSS explained that its current Director-General ordered a review of old watchlist actions, some dating back to the military era, to prevent citizens from being unnecessarily embarrassed by outdated security alerts. Individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely invited for interaction as a prerequisite for a review and possible downgrade or final delisting. The agency stated that Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but his case has since been reviewed and downgraded. His interface at the airport was geared towards the final delisting of his details, and he was cleared after less than an hour. The DSS noted that Ndibe acknowledged the professional conduct of its operatives in a Facebook post. The Service also mentioned that several Nigerians, including journalists like Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, have benefited from this ongoing review exercise. The DSS reiterated its commitment to fair treatment of citizens and encouraged individuals affected by watchlist actions to contact its headquarters for review.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Department of State Services DSS has refuted claims of arresting or detaining writer and academic Okey Ndibe at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 1, 2026. According to a statement from Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the interaction was a routine process to review and remove individuals from its watchlist. The DSS clarified that its current Director-General initiated a review of old Watch-List Actions, some dating back to the military era, to prevent unnecessary embarrassment to citizens from outdated security alerts. Individuals previously on watchlists are routinely invited for interaction as a prerequisite for a review and potential downgrade or removal of their watchlist status. The agency stated that Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but his case has since been reviewed and downgraded. The airport interaction was aimed at the final delisting of his details. Ndibe was cleared after less than an hour, and the DSS noted his Facebook post acknowledging the professional conduct of its operatives. The Service highlighted that many Nigerians, including journalists like Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, have benefited from this ongoing review exercise. The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to fair treatment of citizens and encouraged those affected by watchlist actions to contact its headquarters for review.
The Federal Government has initiated a one-million-tree-planting campaign at the Nigerian Defence Academy NDA in Kaduna, in collaboration with the Africa Finance Corporation AFC and Fifth Chukker. This initiative aims to combat climate change, desertification, deforestation, and biodiversity loss across Nigeria. The project was launched at the NDA Biodiversity Conservation Centre. Abubakar Buba, Kaduna State Commissioner for Environment, representing the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, highlighted the project's ecological and socio-economic benefits, noting Kaduna State's environmental challenges, including desertification in the north and deforestation in the south. He emphasized that the planting of one million trees will sequester carbon dioxide and align with Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement, while also strengthening biodiversity conservation through the creation of a natural, self-sustaining forest ecosystem. Ismail Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, stated that the initiative underscores AFC's commitment to environmental sustainability and long-term development, extending beyond tree planting to include conservation research, environmental education, and green job creation. The Commandant of the NDA, Major-General, described environmental degradation as a national security issue, noting the academy established the Biodiversity Conservation Centre two years ago to conserve indigenous flora and fauna and support environm
Must ReadNigerian author and columnist Okey Ndibe confirmed his release after being held for over three hours by operatives of the Department of State Services DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Ndibe shared the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for the concern shown by friends and well-wishers. He noted that the DSS officers who interacted with him were professional throughout the period. The DSS, however, denied arresting or detaining Ndibe, stating that their interaction was part of an ongoing review of security watchlists. According to the DSS, the Director-General ordered a review of longstanding watchlist actions, some dating back to the military era, to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to citizens from outdated security alerts. The agency clarified that its engagement with Ndibe was connected to this review process, which involves inviting individuals on watchlists for interaction to potentially downgrade or remove their watchlist status.
Must ReadThe Anambra State government has pledged to apprehend the gunmen responsible for killing two policemen and two civilians during an ambush on the convoy of Chief Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The attack occurred on the Amansea–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area on Sunday night, May 31, 2026, as the convoy was returning from an official assignment. Chief Nwankwo escaped unharmed, though some civilians in the entourage sustained injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that assailants, hidden in a nearby bush, opened fire as the convoy approached. Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, stated that the government is shocked by the incident and has extended condolences to the victims' families. He confirmed that police and other security agencies are actively working to bring those involved to justice, emphasizing that this isolated incident will not deter the state's commitment to eradicating crime.