DSS Releases Journalist Detained Over Drone Possession

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) has announced the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone.

IPI Nigeria said Sodiq regained her freedom at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, following the intervention of the media freedom organisation.

The Secretary of IPI Nigeria, Ahmed Shekarau, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, confirming that the journalist was released directly to the leadership of the institute.

According to the organisation, Sodiq was intercepted by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, July 6, while preparing to travel with the drone.

She was, however, allowed to continue her journey to Abuja but was instructed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, July 8.

IPI Nigeria said the journalist honoured the invitation but was subsequently detained for allegedly possessing the drone without the required End User Certificate.

Following the institute’s intervention and engagement with the security agency, Sodiq was released two days later.

Reacting to the development, the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, expressed satisfaction over Sodiq’s release and commended the DSS for responding to the organisation’s intervention.

“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that Ms Sodiq has regained her freedom. We appreciate the DSS for responding to our intervention and for facilitating her release,” Mojeed said.

He acknowledged the responsibility of security agencies to enforce laws and regulations intended to protect the country but stressed that such duties must be carried out in accordance with the constitutional rights of citizens.

Mojeed said, “While we recognise the responsibility of security agencies to enforce laws and regulations designed to protect national security, such responsibilities should always be discharged with due regard for the constitutional rights of journalists and other citizens.”

The IPI president also called for sustained engagement between journalists and security agencies to prevent legitimate national security concerns from becoming an obstacle to press freedom.

“We encourage continued dialogue and mutual understanding between security agencies and the media to ensure that legitimate security concerns are addressed without unduly impeding press freedom or journalists carrying out their professional duties,” he added.

The institute thanked individuals and organisations that raised concerns over Sodiq’s detention and supported efforts to secure her release.

It reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant authorities to protect press freedom, while also recognising the need for legitimate national security measures to be implemented within the framework of the law.

IPI Nigeria maintained that the enforcement of security regulations must be accompanied by respect for fundamental human rights and the lawful duties of journalists.

NEWSNGR reports that IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian affiliate of the International Press Institute Global, a network of editors, media executives and prominent journalists operating in more than 100 countries.