The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that it arrested or detained writer and academic Okey Ndibe at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026.
The agency said its operatives did not arrest or detain Ndibe at any time, explaining that the interaction at the airport was part of an ongoing review of old Watch-List Actions that date back many years, including some from the military era.
According to the DSS, the current leadership ordered a review of such watchlists to reduce cases where citizens are unnecessarily stopped or questioned during travel. It said individuals on the list are usually contacted as part of a process that can lead to review, downgrade, or final removal from the watchlist in line with international practice.
The service added that Ndibe had been on the watchlist since January 29, 2013, but his case had already been reviewed and downgraded. It explained that the airport encounter was part of the final stage toward removing his details from the system.
The DSS said the process involved a short interaction, after which he was cleared and allowed to continue his movement. It also stated that similar reviews have led to the removal of several Nigerians, including journalists, from the watchlist in recent years.
It cited the case of media practitioner Lanre Arogundade, whose name was removed from the watchlist after years on the system, as part of ongoing reforms.
The agency maintained that the exercise is aimed at ensuring fairness, respecting rights, and updating security records. It encouraged individuals who believe they are affected by watchlist actions to approach its headquarters for clarification and possible review.
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