The Department of State Services (DSS) in Sokoto State has apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) following an alleged assault on a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent covering a political solidarity rally.
The security agency also pledged to take disciplinary action against personnel found responsible for the incident, which reportedly left the journalist injured and his belongings damaged.
The apology was confirmed on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by the Chairman of the NUJ Sokoto State Council, Usman Mohammed-Binji, in a statement addressing the development.
DSS Delegation Visits Sokoto NUJ Leadership
According to Mohammed-Binji, senior DSS officials visited the leadership of the journalists’ union to express regret over the treatment of the correspondent.
The delegation included three Deputy Directors of the DSS and the Chief Detail responsible for security at the Sokoto State Government House.
During the meeting, the officials reportedly assured the union that the agency had not authorised any form of intimidation, harassment or mistreatment of journalists carrying out their professional responsibilities.
They maintained that the incident did not reflect the DSS’s official position on media relations.
The representatives also promised that appropriate administrative measures would be taken against the security personnel involved.
They further assured the union that steps would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
How NAN Correspondent Was Allegedly Assaulted
The controversy followed an incident on Tuesday, November 3, involving Muhammad Nasir-Bello, a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria in Sokoto.
Nasir-Bello was covering a solidarity rally organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu when he was reportedly attacked by DSS personnel assigned to the Government House.
According to an earlier statement issued by the Sokoto NUJ, the journalist was physically assaulted while performing his reporting duties.
The union alleged that his clothing was torn during the confrontation and that his mobile phone was damaged.
It also reported that he sustained injuries to his hands, legs and other parts of his body.
The circumstances that led to the confrontation were not fully explained in the account, and the DSS apology did not provide a detailed public account of how the incident began.
NUJ Welcomes Apology, Demands Protection for Journalists
Reacting to the DSS delegation’s visit, the NUJ Sokoto State Council acknowledged the apology and the promise of disciplinary action.
The council described the engagement as a constructive development towards resolving the dispute and preventing further attacks on media professionals.
However, the union emphasised that journalists must be allowed to perform their duties without threats, intimidation or physical violence.
It stressed the importance of protecting the safety, dignity and professional freedom of media workers, particularly those reporting from public events and government facilities.
The council also reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and continued cooperation with security agencies.
DSS Pledges Stronger Relationship With Media
Beyond the apology, the DSS delegation acknowledged the importance of maintaining a professional relationship with journalists in Sokoto State.
The officials reportedly expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation with media organisations and prevent unnecessary confrontations between security personnel and reporters.
The development comes amid continuing concerns about the safety of journalists covering political activities, public demonstrations and other sensitive assignments in Nigeria.
While security agencies are responsible for protecting public officials and maintaining order, journalists also have a legitimate role in informing the public about matters of national interest.
The Sokoto incident has renewed attention on the need for security operatives to respect press freedom while carrying out their duties.
Disciplinary Action Against Officers Awaited
Although the DSS has promised administrative sanctions, the Sokoto NUJ statement did not identify the personnel involved or specify the disciplinary measures being considered.
It also did not confirm whether any officer had already been suspended or formally punished.
The union’s response suggests that continued engagement between the DSS and journalists will be important in ensuring that the assurances lead to meaningful action.
For now, the agency’s apology represents an initial response to the reported assault, while the outcome of the promised disciplinary process remains to be seen.
