The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly ordered the release of a man earlier detained on suspicion of being a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following a fresh review of his case.
The unnamed suspect, who had been in custody for weeks, was arrested during a recent security sweep in the South East. His detention sparked concerns from family members and community leaders who insisted he had no connection with the separatist group.
According to reliable security sources, the DSS boss intervened after receiving a detailed brief suggesting inconsistencies in the initial intelligence report that led to the man’s arrest. The DG was said to have directed the operatives handling the case to conduct a more thorough verification, which eventually showed that the suspect had no proven affiliation with IPOB or its activities.
Following the confirmation, the DSS DG reportedly ordered his immediate release, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to fairness, rule of law, and intelligence-driven operations.
Family members expressed relief and gratitude after being reunited with him, calling the development a “victory for truth.” Community representatives who had earlier appealed for his release also commended the DSS leadership for what they described as a “professional and humane decision.”
Security analysts say the move aligns with growing calls for intelligence agencies to adopt more precise and transparent methods during operations, especially in the South East where tensions remain high.
The DSS has yet to issue an official public statement regarding the release, but internal reports suggest that the agency will continue reviewing similar cases to ensure that innocent citizens are not wrongly targeted during counter-terrorism activities.
As security challenges persist across various regions of the country, stakeholders urge stronger collaboration between communities and security operatives to prevent wrongful arrests and promote lasting peace.
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